About The Laurelhurst Club
The Laurelhurst Club is a wonderful place to dance. We have information below about our club history, club membership, frequently asked questions, and a photo gallery from our dances.
Laurelhurst Club History
The walls of the Laurelhurst Club have echoed with some wonderful music and laughter since 1914. The music and people have filled the hearts of man, as well as the walls, with many memories. They have accompanied countless social gatherings, weddings and special events upon these grounds. Approaching our 100th anniversary in just a few short years, we hope for many more years of music and friendship.
Our history reaches back to a time when 32 men, by contributing $100 each, gathered $3,200, became life members and transformed Hazelfern Farm into the Laurelhurst Club. This took place in the span of two years and benefited the community. The club was dedicated on December 29, 1914.
For several years, 1916-1920, the club had its own orchestra of 20-30 musicians made up entirely of members. These musicians were known as the Laurelhurst Symphonic Orchestra.
We pride ourselves and speak highly of our Founders and Forefathers who, assisted by the Women of Laurelhurst, promoted a family center where the community gathered, held tennis matches on their courts and served as a voting and election house at the time of Woodrow Wilson. Countless charitable contributions were gathered here. We have been given a club of long-standing friendships, grand heritage reflecting hard work, love of laughter and dance. You can find many smiles and warm hearts here. As you read on, you will see how and when we gather.
Great music continues to enlighten our special get togethers and brings us to our feet to enjoy yet more wonderful times at the Laurelhurst Club.
We are very glad you have joined us.
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The Laurelhurst Club Wants You!
Tired of just watching the action on “Dancing with the Stars”?
Come give ballroom dancing a whirl! Grab a dance partner and be our guest at one of 17 dances for the September 2009 to August 2010 dance season. All of our dances feature live music, excepting one each year hosted by a DJ. You'll have a variety of dress-up opportunities: everything from formal to costume to casual, and party themes from “Starry, Starry Night” to sock hops to Hawaiian luaus. If you like what you see, apply for membership!
Why join in? The Laurelhurst Club offers you:
- the best live ballroom music in town by well-known musicians
- a spacious hardwood dance floor
- for evening dances, social time from 7:30 to 8 p.m., then dancing from 8:00 to 11 p.m.,
- for daytime tea dances, social time from 1:30 to 2 p.m., with dancing from 2:00 to 5 p.m.
- an adjacent carpeted lounge with a large fireplace
- refreshments served from a well-equipped kitchen (also available for catered events)
For less than the cost of going to the movies, you can dance the night or afternoon away! $300 per couple per year (that's under $10 per person per dance) gets you 17 dances with live music and one hosted by a DJ, plus the chance to enjoy our historic setting near Laurelhurst Park.
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FAQs About The Laurelhurst Club
What's the Laurelhurst Club all about?
We are a member-supported dance club made up of couples who like to dance. We love to encourage other youth and adults to have fun dancing, too!
What kinds of dance are the Club's specialties?
We primarily dance Ballroom styles, including Swing, Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha-cha, Tango, Salsa, and more.
Do I have to be a good dancer to join?
Not at all! You just have to enjoy dancing. Our members’ abilities vary widely, but everyone supports each other in a fun environment.
How many dances does the Club hold each year?
Traditionally, there have been about 18, all but one featuring live music (the other with a DJ), but the decision each year is up to the Board of Directors.
What does it cost to become a member?
This year, September 2008 through August 2009, is just $300 for each couple. (The cost is prorated based on when your join.) That's less than $10 per person per dance!
What if I don't have a "significant other"?
That's fine! Many of our dance couples are just that: couples who have gotten together to dance, married or not. We have found it works best if all members have a dance partner; though of course, the members are free to dance with each other and with their guests. Further, two or three times each evening there are dance mixers where participating couples change partners.
What are members asked to do?
Besides paying their dues, members are asked to co-host one dance per year with another couple. This entails helping with the decorations and refreshments, and the set-up and clean-up. (We'll walk you through it!)
Does the Laurelhurst Club offer dance classes?
Yes! We currently offer adult classes on Monday nights. These are open to the public, but aimed at encouraging new members, and providing a chance for existing members to sharpen their skills. We are also working on providing classes in Ballroom Dance and Etiquette for grade school children, and could use your help if that is an interest of yours.
Can I dress up for dances at the Club?
Absolutely! Each dance has a recommended dress, sometimes along a theme (such as Sock Hop or Hawaiian Luau). This coming year, roughly one-third of our dances will be formal (tuxedos, dark suits, formal or dressy dresses), one-third will be called “tie optional” or informal, and one-third “dress casual,” meaning just no jeans, t-shirts, or tennis shoes. (No jeans, t-shirts, or tennis shoes is the Club's only dress code.)
Does the Club own the building?
Yes, we've owned our building since 1912, and the Club has been a neighborhood landmark ever since. If you have an interest in history or building maintenance, we could use your skills.
How do I join?
Just fill out an application, tender a check for $300 to be credited against next year’s dues, and submit both for board approval. You can download your application form and get your membership-related questions answered by clicking here.
More questions?
Email info@thelaurelhurstclub.com, or call (503) 235-0015 (click here for large print).
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Photo Galleries
Check out photos from our dances by clicking here, photos from our dance classes over here, and photos of our venue right here. Or, take a look at our photostream on Flickr by clicking here.
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