Golden home of The Dance Palace celebrates 25 years of residence
The past 18 months were the toughest but continuity is key to another 25
A sanctuary of soul, the enabler of energy and a monument to melody is still going strong.
Born in 1986 on the corner of Melle and De Korte Streets in Braamfontein, The Dance Palace is celebrating 25 years at the golden oasis on the crest of Ontdekkers Road. In 1996, Louis Biermann decided to leave the decaying Johannesburg CBD in search of new pastures, embracing the open air and rolling hills of the West Rand. Despite being told it would never thrive, the iconic venue still holds its characteristic aura.
A man whose hospitality dwarfs his immense presence, Louis is carrying the weight of his pride and joy on his broad shoulders. Having pushed through the toughest period in living memory, he acknowledges the need to adapt, which is why they have embraced line dancing as a main offering at the studio. The country favourite offers a socially distanced dance style while still capturing the vibe and energy of dancing.
The past year has been a sad waste of an exemplary venue which features a restaurant, beer garden and wood-fired oven that churns out delicious pizza. Louis claims the secret to their longevity has been the right staff. Even by the highest standards of hospitality, the current crop of eight-year veteran of the front office, Cleo Macfie and tornado bartender, Erin Wallace, pull out all the stops.
“This is only a building; it is all about the people in it. I wouldn’t change anything – all I want to do is keep on doing what we do,” said Louis. “Dancing is a skill that you don’t appreciate how fulfilling it is until you have learned to do it properly. Here you make friends and learn to listen to music differently,” added the dance master.
To feel the magic of the championship-quality microporous wood floor, one has to meet the beat halfway. One night under the trance of the dance floor will leave you with the echoes of enjoyment reverberating on you skin for days to come. Succinctly surmised by Erin, “It’s good food, good people, good times, and all one has to do is get there to ‘experience it all’”.
