FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Architectural Designer and Beyond the Divide campaign lead brings vision to Little Rock's premier Valentine's fundraiser
LITTLE ROCK, AR — Friends of Dreamland is pleased to announce that Ernest Banks, board member of studioMAIN and design lead for the Beyond the Divide campaign, will serve as Event Chair for Dancing into Dreamland 2026 on Saturday, February 14th at the historic Dreamland Ballroom.
Banks brings design expertise and community vision to this year's event, connecting DID's mission—preserving Dreamland Ballroom as a vibrant gathering place—with Beyond the Divide's celebration of West 9th Street's cultural heritage.
“Dreamland Ballroom is one of Little Rock's most remarkable spaces," said Banks. "It tells the story of creativity, resilience, and celebration. Dancing into Dreamland is a chance to experience that legacy firsthand while supporting its future. I'm honored to be part of this."
Now in its 15th year, Dancing into Dreamland has become Little Rock's beloved Valentine's tradition. The evening features a dance competition showcasing all styles, celebrity judges, audience text voting, heavy hors d'oeuvres, signature cocktails, and open dancing in the ballroom where music legends once performed.
This year, guests can arrive early for cocktails at the Dreamland Lounge on the first floor, which opens at 5 PM.
About Beyond the Divide
Coming in Spring 2026, Beyond the Divide will celebrate West 9th Street's cultural heritage through a month-long demonstration featuring public art, tactical urbanism, and community programming along three blocks of W 9th Street (Broadway to State). The project, supported by Smart Growth America's Community Connectors program, will honor the history and energy of this historic corridor. Learn more: https://www.studio-main.org/beyond-the-divide
About Taborian Hall & Dreamland Ballroom
Built in 1918 and funded by the African American community in Arkansas, Taborian Hall served as international headquarters for the Knights and Daughters of Tabor. Its third-floor Dreamland Ballroom was a premier stop on the Chitlin Circuit, hosting Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Ray Charles, BB King, Cab Calloway, and more. After decades of vacancy, Kerry McCoy saved the building from demolition in 1990. Friends of Dreamland, a 501(c)(3) formed in 2009, has since secured nearly $1.5 million in National Park Service African American Civil Rights Grants for restoration. Sources: https://www.dreamlandballroom.org/taborianhistory; https://www.dreamlandballroom.org/restoration
About Dancing into Dreamland
Dancing into Dreamland is the primary fundraiser for Friends of Dreamland. Proceeds support restoration, programming, and the mission to celebrate the heritage of West 9th Street and preserve Taborian Hall. Source: https://www.dreamlandballroom.org/past
Event Details
Dancing into Dreamland 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | Doors 7:00 PM, Program 8:00 PM
Dreamland Lounge opens early for cocktails (1st floor)
Dreamland Ballroom, 800 W. 9th St., Little Rock, AR
Tickets, tables, and boxes: https://www.dreamlandballroom.org/dancing-into-dreamland-2026-tickets
General Admission: $110
Sponsorship Opportunities
Presenting Sponsor ($2,500): Private box for 12, mentions on Up in Your Business with Kerry McCoy radio show, sponsorship noted on all pre-event advertising, event program recognition, and link on dreamlandballroom.org
Table Sponsorships ($800–$1,200): Ring-side tables for 6–9 guests, program recognition, website link
Contact: Matthew McCoy, Executive Director | [matt@flagandbanner.com | 501.255.5700]
Media Contact
Matthew McCoy, Executive Director, Friends of Dreamland [matt@flagandbanner.com | 501.255.5700]