A merry dance

make way for the new Overgate shopping precinct.

In 1954 local businessman James Murdoch Wallace entered the dancing scene when he bought St David’s Church in North Lindsay Street.

A showman, partly by intent but more by nature, he had a tremendous flair for controversy and achieved widespread publicity for his social activities.

In 1975 Mr Wallace’s son, Murdoch, completely refurbished the JM and the whole idea of dancing was changed with the opening of the Barracuda.

Murdoch opened Samantha’s and the Stage Door Bar in 1976 in the old Palais building following the purchase from local rival Andy Lothian, by then owner of the premises.

Samantha’s was later rechristened Bloomers and the nightspots of today’s style were effectively on the way.

The old Palais burned down in 1980.

For more than half a century Dundee’s dance halls provided music, magic and glamour and those days will never be forgotten by those who jigged there.

Clockwise from top left: Empress Ballroom; The “T-Planters” skiffle group; Bloomers Discotheque and the demolition of the Empress Ballroom. The longest serving Palais band was led by the legendary Andy Lothian, right. Below, the Progress Hall in Hilltown.

Veteran band leader Joe Loss, left, and the Chalet Disco in Broughty Ferry.