Pullen Dance is the longest running ballroom dance community in North Carolina.
We’re a small, friendly group that sponsors ballroom dancing socials at Pullen Park Community Center in Raleigh. Adults of all dance skills and abilities are welcome to attend. We dance to a variety of rhythms, including salsa, cha-cha-cha, rumba, east- and west-coast swing, foxtrot, waltz…well, you get the picture. We dance a little bit of everything. No partner required!
A line dance is often taught during the band’s break. If you know a line dance, or another dance rhythm you’d like to share, come show us. We’ll give you our special “adjunct instructor’s discount.” (Just kidding about the discount, but you’ll always find a hot cup of coffee, snacks and interesting conversation in addition to great music and dancing.)
Attendees enjoy live music and dancing, and new visitors will discover community of friendly people to dance and converse with. If you’re just learning ballroom dance, this is a great place to learn and practice as we regularly offer dance instruction. If you’re a seasoned dancer, you’ll love the raised, hardwood dance floor. But the thing we like most about this dance venue is the casual, friendly atmosphere. Everyone is welcome!
DANCE INFO
When: Every Wednesday night from 7:00-9:00 PM
Where: Pullen Park Community Center, 408 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607
Admission: $8.00 — The second Wednesday’s are only $2, and feature a DJ and dance lesson.
The dance is always free admission to first time attendees!
Live music by the following bands:
- Don and Laurie Ennis
- Donnie Wilson
- “The Dons band“: Don Ennis and Donnie Wilson.
Directions: Some folks have said that they had trouble finding the community center once they’ve entered Pullen Park. The community center is not far from the main part of the park, but it’s kind of hidden on the right at the top of the hill. When entering Ashe Avenue from Western Boulevard, take the second left into the parking lot. Then take a quick right. At that right turn you’ll see the sign that reads “Additional parking.” After you turn right, drive a short distance up the hill to the community center. You’ll find parking there. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Special parties are held during holidays and special occasions. We encourage attendees to bring finger food for holiday parties or anytime. All snack and food contributions are welcome, but please be aware that some attendees may be lactose intolerant and/or gluten free. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available at all dances.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
1st Wednesday: Live music by Donnie Wilson. During the musician’s break at 7:45 p.m., Dick Rogers will teach one or more line dances and introduce us to other dance rhythms.
2nd Wednesday: Dick Rogers will DJ ballroom music for the first 45 minutes. For the next hour, we’ll have more DJ music, and Kathy Wappel will teach a variety of ballroom dance rhythms.
3rd Wednesday: Live music by Don and Laurie Ennis, with Don on Saxophone and Laurie on vocals. During the musician’s break at 7:45 p.m., Dick Rogers will teach one or two line dances as well as introduce us to other dance rhythms.
4th Wednesday: Live music by The Dons band, with Don Ennis on saxophone and Donnie Wilson on guitar and vocals. During the musician’s break at 7:45 p.m., Kathy Wappel will teach us a new dance rhythm.
5th Wednesday: On the occasional 5th Wednesday of the month, Donnie Wilson will perform live music, and during Donnie’s break, Dick Rogers will teach line dances or other dance rhythms.
For more information, schedule changes or cancellations due to holidays or inclement weather, check our calendar.