WHAT'S NEXT?
A Note from Hallie

Press Release
Century Ballroom
June 30, 2008

The only thing you can count on in life is that change happens.  Be it for better or worse, it will always be a learning experience if you allow it to be.

As you have probably heard, we are negotiating another ten years here at the Century Ballroom.  With any luck we'll put pen to paper in the very near future, and the sound of champagne corks will be heard all across town.

Throughout these negotiations, the support that I have personally received from all of you can't be matched.  I now understand with such clarity why I do what I do.

 1912
Photo courtesy of Museum of History and Industry
Used by Permission
I have been putting off writing this letter because change, though constant, can also at times be met with resistance, and I have certainly resisted this.

Our rent has already more than doubled.  We thought we would have until April, 2009, when our old lease expired, but unless we were willing to come to some agreement now (which included an increase in rent), we would have had to wait a year to discuss a new lease; and, quite honestly, I couldn't take the stress of that unknown.

The question for me is:  How do we keep what we do affordable so that people can enjoy the Century more than once per week?  I have hoped that, owing to the sheer number of people who dance here on a weekly basis, I would be able to figure that out.

Not once have I been met with any resistance to us needing to raise our prices.  Our last increase was in 2000 when we raised our dances from $4 to $5.  That said, as of July 1st, 2008, our prices for dances will increase, and here is what it will look like: Our local, national and international live music events will vary, as always, depending on the price of the bands.

OTHER CHANGES

STARTING TO GO GREEN!
Everyone has heard me say that we sell water because it is part of the income for the Century, and that we can't allow outside food or beverages because we are a bar and restaurant.  These things are both true.   We sell 30 cases of Athena water per week.  We chose Athena because it helps support Breast Cancer Research, which is important to me. However, in good conscience I can't support having to throw away 30 cases of plastic bottles each week.

Our plan is to put out a jug of water and heavy-duty, washable plastic cups and provide free water.  We'll still sell bottled water for people who would prefer that, but we hope it'll cut down on the recycling that we are adding to the world.  So when you're contemplating the new cover charge, consider a portion of it as going to help the environment.

DINNERS
For a number of years we've been doing an "eat dinner get in free at $5 dances" special.  We started this special as a short-term way of getting people acquainted with our restaurant, of which I've always been very proud.

After doing this promotion for a number of years, we've decided to do away with it.  I'm sure we'll bring it back along with other promotions, but this one has always been confusing to people, and sometimes ends up with customers frustrated at what qualifies as dinner and what doesn't.  For now we're just making good eats, in the hopes that people will choose to dine with us when they go out.

A NEW LOUNGE
In August, we'll take over Velocity's office/lobby area and prepare for the opening of the Century Lounge.  It'll be a space that you can hang out in, whether you are coming to the Century to dance, or just want to go somewhere with friends to have a drink, a bite to eat, or hang out.

We'll be working on the design over the next few months, and hope to have the doors open by early winter.

Why expand at this time?  One thing I perceive to be missing right now at the Century is a quiet place for people to convene, converse, hang out, snack on good eats, and drink at a bar where we can serve in glassware! (Did I mention drinking amazing champagne or beer on tap while enjoying a cheese plate?)

A BOOK YOU SAY?
Oh, one more thing:  a picture/story book of your and our first eleven years at Century Ballroom.

If you feel at all interested in sharing your personal story of what the Century has meant to you, we would love that.  Here's what you can do: I'm sure this won't be a quick process but given how many amazing emails I've received, and all the stories I've heard from you, I think they're important to tell.

I believe the Century Ballroom has changed many, many lives in a positive way - it certainly has changed mine.  I hope that by creating an illustrated storybook, we can keep those memories alive for years to come.

That's all for now.  Keep your eyes and ears open for the champagne party!

With love and gratitude,

Hallie Kuperman
Century Ballroom
Owner


Hallie's Note from 4/8/08
Hallie's Note from 10/30/07