We Are an Established Organization
The Nightlighters have been around for . The club was formed in the spring of 1946, in West Los Angeles, at the home of Lorraine and Paul Parker. During their black tie dinner party, the Parkers proposed the formation of a ballroom dance club The original membership consisted of ten couples who named the group The Nightlighters.
They enjoyed formal attire, elegant dinners, and ballroom dancing in an exclusive environment. The dinner dances were initially held at the Beverly Hills Women's Club. As charter members invited guests to join, membership grew. Soon they needed larger locations, with dance floors big enough to meet the club's requirements
The Nightlighters' tradition has been carried on for the last years with members from all over Southern California attending six black tie dinner dances each year. Dances are held on the second Saturday in February, April, June, August and October and the first Saturday in December.
For men, the June and August dances are summer formal optional (white jackets)
Dance Format
Most dances have this format:
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Cocktails
7:00 pm - 7:30 pm Open Dancing
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Dinner
8:30 pm - 10:30 pm Program Dancing
10:30 pm Open Dancing
11:00 pm End of Evening
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Dances feature a live band and dance cards. Couples are encouraged to sign up to exchange partners for dance sets during program dancing. There are two dances per set and usually eight to ten sets per evening.
The band plays a mixture of Foxtrot, Waltz, Swing, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba and Tango. There are usually two mixers per dance to help guests and members get acquainted. Both members and guests may specify couples they wish to be seated with at dinner. It is an objective of the club to secure large dance floors whenever possible.
The Nightlighters aim to provide for all those attending an enjoyable evening of dancing, dining and camaraderie in elegant surroundings.
Member couples are requested to serve on a dance committee some time during their membership and eventually to serve as chairmen of a specific dance. Such participation enhances the enjoyment and companionship of the group
Guest Information
Guests are sponsored by current members. Members request that the appropriate Dance Directors send invitations to their guests. The cost of a dance includes the dance and dinner. Guest couples may attend two times each year. Although members of The Nightlighters dress in formal attire, the events take place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. This organization offers the opportunity to make many friends who share an interest in dancing.
Membership is open to all married/committeed couples wishing to enjoy formal ballroom dancing and the fellowship of other dancers. To become a member, an applicant submits an application signed by a member sponsor to the membership chairman,. Once the application is approved at the next meeting of the Board of Directors and dues are paid, membership is confirmed. New members are welcomed at the next dance and become valued additions to The Nightlighters.
Attendance attire is tuxedos for the gentlemen (guests may wear dark suits with ties) and full length ballroom or tea length gowns are suggested for the ladies.