Last dance nearing for Swisher’s Dance Mor Ballroom

SWISHER, Iowa - There are only a few dances left at the Dance Mor Ballroom in Swisher, a venue that's attracted thousands of dancers and music fans from across the country since opening in 1932.

'We really don't know what the future holds, but for me it's time to move on,” said Craig Davis, owner of the historic ballroom.

Davis plans to put the ballroom on the market in the coming months. He has scheduled the last dance for May 24, before closing the 82-year-old doors.

'Maybe someone will make it into a restaurant, sports bar, who knows?” Davis said. 'I hope not a grain bin.”

The building is one of about a dozen true ballrooms still operating across the state, Davis said. His family bought the facility from the founders in 1974. Little has changed in the building, which is open on Friday and Saturday nights to people of all ages.

'We dance from eight to one [in the morning],” said Davis, who used to perform with his band at the Dance Mor before becoming the owner.

Davis said he is optimistic someone will buy the ballroom down the road and keep it operating the way it has. But for now, the doors will close on May 24.