Venue

This is the Palais Royale today.

The Palais Royale is a historic dancehall on Toronto's lakeshore. It was opened in 1922 has part of the Sunnyside Beach amusement park. As Toronto grew and traffic increased in the 1950's, the Sunnyside Beach amusement park was shut down. All that remains today is the Sunnyside Bathing Pool and the Palais Royale.

Toronto's Sunnyside Amusement park circa. 1929

Now 80 years old, the Palais Royale has seen its share of ups and downs. It was originally used as a swing club that hosted some of the biggest names in swing and big band music including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and others.

Count Basie tour bus at the Palais Royale circa 1939

During the 30's and 40's, 1000 young people danced at the Palais Royale, six nights a week - dancing was not permitted on Sundays. In 1932, admission was 10 cents (worth $3.00CAD today), and each dance cost 5 cents. A dance lasted about 3 minutes. In 1933, 3000 people danced to Eddie Duchin's Park Central Orchestra from New York.

When the Palais Royale first opened, authentic swing jazz dancing -- breakaways, trucking, the jitterbug, and the lindy hop, were forbidden. Ginger Ale and Coca Cola were the only drinks permitted. By the mid 40's, the practice of "jitney-dancing" (dance tickets) was discontinued, and the admission price was raised to a straight 75 cents for men and 50 cents for women.

One of the many cool features of the Palais Royale is its unique cantilever - sprung hardwood dance floor . This floor was specially designed for dancing, which means it has a great surface, a fun bounce, and a roomy feel. It is the only cantilever dance floor left in Canada. Please note, this floor does not actually make you a better dancer. The Palais Royale also features a huge patio over looking Lake Ontario which will allow for some moonlit chats by the water while you hear your favourite bands serenade you. In addition, there is a private rooftop balcony for the bands so they can wave down to their adoring fans. There is a long bar for your serving pleasure and a fireplace that will, of course, not be used this particular summer weekend.

Today, the Palais is used for raves and concerts. Some of the recent concerts include Gary Numan, Sigor Ros, and Sloan. The venue now serves a wide variety of alcohol and allows all kinds of dancing, including bad dancing. ;)

'Slammin Sounds' rave circa 2001

Directions to the Palais Royale:

Click for larger printable version. (Will open in a new window.)