A PICTURE CAN REVIVE HUNDREDS OF MEMORIES...

Popular Lindy Hop in 1943

The Dances...Over the years the ballroom was host to all types of venues. The latest dance crazes of every generation were seen, practiced, learned, and danced on the massive Riviera waxed wood floor. Everything from the The Lindy Hop, The Jitterbug, The Applejack, The Bop, and of course, all of the Rock and Roll favorites from the Twist and Mashed Potato to the Alligator.

Stan Kenton and Orchestra 1941

Local orchestras and famous orchestras, Recording artists from rock to country played at Riverview Park. Some well remembered performers like Ella Fitzgerald, began in the Riverview Dance Hall that preceded the Riviera.

In addition to the usual and very popular local bands and orchestras like Ralph Zarnow's, Don Hoy's and Arnie Liddell's, the Riviera hosted some very famous bands that included Lawrence Welk, Stan Kenton, Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington, among others, in rare special bookings and appearances at the Riviera.

31Aug Riverview, Park, Des Moines, IA. (Everett Wadsworth, "Duke Ellington Thrills Crowd,") Iowa Bystander

Arnie Liddell and his Orchestra at the Riviera. circa 1940

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From 1943...Enjoy part of an actual radio broadcast from the Riviera Ballroom featuring Arny Liddell and his Orchestra with a very young Marylin Maye starting her career. It was during the war years but Fort Des Moines and Camp Dodge kept the Riviera full of dancing military members. Special thanks to Thomas Liddell & family for sharing this very rare audio clip.

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Jitterbugging 1941

Remember These Dances?
A clip of many of the popular dances over the years. How many did you know how to do?

For Cable/DSL connections

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Page 3 - More Riviera photos and performers... Remembering The Teen Dances

Another Page on the Riviera Teen Dances

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