Tea Dances were the perfect complement to go with Afternoon Tea. They became increasingly popular for the young in the beginning of the 20th of century.
Wealthy & aristocratic families entertained their friends by dancing classic dances such as the Waltz, in each other’s homes. This was the perfect way for parents & governesses to watch over entertain & chaperon their young ladies, whilst allowing them to associate with suitable young men in the middle of the afternoon.

Meanwhile in the late 19th Century in the backstreets of Argentina’s capital city Buenos Aires the Argentine Tango was emerging. Soon after dancers & orchestras travelled to Europe bringing their passion for the Argentine Tango with them. Demonstrations of Tango were first held in Paris where it became increasingly popular.

In 1910 Argentine Tango arrived in London, initially couples danced between the restaurant tables, as this idea caught on, a space was cleared in the middle of the floor for dancing.

The grander hotels & restaurants in London started to hold ‘Tea Dances’, their live orchestras called a Palm Court would play music to go with the demonstrations the ‘Tango’, whilst their guest watched & enjoyed their Afternoon Tea. Once the demonstrations of the Tango were over the guests would have Tango lessons with the dance teachers then practice their Waltz & Tango until it was time to go home.

‘Tea Dances’ were becoming more fashionable & were being held on a daily or weekly basis in London. Soon the ‘Tea Dance’ craze went nationwide as popularity increased.

During world war 2 Tea Dances were still popular. They were mainly organised by the churches & the Red Cross, to keep our servicemen’s morale up & to give them some civilised company & entertainment between battle campaigns.

The Waldorf London Hotel in particular maintained its ‘Tea Dance’ until 1939, when a German bomb shattered the glass roof of their Palm Court. This brought home to them the severity of the situation. All ‘Tea Dances’ were cancelled at the Hotel until 1982 when they re-established them & still run them to this day.