A note on Pricing, Growth and the new dance class tax at Reverie Ballroom

Executive Director, Eliza Wilder. Photo by Jess Keener.

I wanted to take a moment to speak openly about Reverie’s response to the new sales tax on dance classes in Washington state and to address some of the questions we’ve received about the pricing for our new series classes, which launched with our Grand Opening this October.  This conversation comes at a defining moment for us as a community.

But first, a big thank you is in order. After six months of intensive restoration, we reopened the Grand and Emerald Ballrooms! These are two historic spaces that are glowing! In just the first weeks of October, you enthusiastically signed up for our four new programs, backed an ambitious Kickstarter, and celebrated with a grand opening weekend featuring seven live bands, fifteen workshops, new merchandise, and—most importantly—thousands of your dancing feet on our brand-new floor.

Before the new 10.35% sales tax was announced, our team had already made the decision to raise our series class prices slightly from the former Century Ballroom rates. This was a thoughtful choice based on six months of financial review and our goal to make the program sustainable while increasing pay for our incredible instructors and staff.

When the sales tax was added at nearly the same time, we knew that passing both changes on to our students immediately would feel like too much all at once. So, we’ve decided that Reverie will absorb the cost of the sales tax on all series classes through the end of 2025, rather than passing it on to you.

We’re also committed to keeping dance education accessible as we grow. In 2026, we’re expanding our student discount (50% off series classes with proof of enrollment), introducing a new scholarship fund, and developing a work/trade program for dancers who want to contribute time and energy in exchange for classes

We believe this approach will allow us to reward our teachers, care for our historic home, and continue building a vibrant, inclusive community that truly belongs to everyone.

If you have questions, I’d love to hear them. You can message me, or share your thoughts through our community survey, open through the end of October.

With gratitude and partnership,
Eliza & the Reverie Ballroom Team