Dreamland Ballroom

The Dreamland Ballroom in the historic Taborian Hall, 800 W. Ninth St., home of Arkansas Flag and Banner, has a fascinating history and is working to not only preserve it, but also keep it thriving for years to come.

The public will be able to see it all captured on film next year -- the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) was recently awarded a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council and additional funds from the Moving Image Trust to produce a documentary about the Dreamland Ballroom.

Filming began in January and will run through the end of 2013.  Producer Mark Wilcken is looking to have a finished product by the summer of 2014.

Dreamland Ballroom was a popular dancehall and a hotbed for big band, jazz and blues musicians. The venue was a regular stop for the “Chittlin’ Circuit,” a national touring company of professional entertainers, revues and stage shows.

The documentary will mix the history of Dreamland through interviews and re-enactments with the current efforts in 2013 to preserve and refurbish the Ballroom.  The film will also explore the cultural significance of the ballroom in Arkansas Black history.

In addition to the ballroom's history and renovation being captured on film, a local store will be offering a little help to its renovation efforts and preservation this month.

The Green Corner Store will be rounding up its change for the historic building in downtown Little Rock. If you love ice cream, look for the Dreamlandaberry limited edition ice cream flavor this month at its soda fountain. Half of the sales from that flavor will benefit The Dreamland Ballroom.