A trombonist from the Dale's first house band, the Robert Royce Orchestra, discovered the fire when he showed up early in the evening to rehearse.  By the time Valley Dale had been rebuilt upon its original foundation, America was being introduced to a homegrown style of music: big band jazz and swing.  In 1925, the New Valley Dale featured both indoor and an outdoor dance garden and stage, perfect for dance under the stars

Midway through the era of Prohibition, the Dale quickly gained a reputation as an upstanding and well managed destination for young people to dance and have some fun!
By the 1930's Valley Dale was rapidly out growing its local reputation, routinely drawing audiences from all around Ohio and its contiguous states.  It was also drawing the biggest names in the big band business.  The 30's and 40's were an incredible time in music maybe the most important time ever.  Gershwin and Cole Porter, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman all played at Valley Dale Ballroom. 

All the biggest of the big did play at the ballroom.  Ted Weems Orchestra brought Perry Como, Artie Shaw brought Billie Holiday, Paul Whiteman brought Bing Crosby.  Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Harry James all filled the dance floor at Valley Dale.  Most of them took the stage multiple times at The Dale.  Earl Hood, the late leader of Valley Dale's house band recalled some of the most memorable nights at The Dale. "The night Frank Sinatra sang with Tommy Dorsey was unforgettable," Earl Hood said.  "The girls were screaming and almost fainting.  You couldn't hear yourself think."  Then there was the night Guy Lombardo was there.  It was probably the biggest night ever at the Dale.

The Grand Valley Dale Ballroom has meant a great deal to Columbus during the past century, its future is secure and bright.  Valley Dale Ballroom has been added to the National Register of Historic Places and has been meticulously renovated with a beautiful hardwood dance floor, one of the largest in the city and 8 new crystal chandeliers.

The Ballroom offers a historic, unique setting for any special event!