“Did you hear the Chateau is reopening?” That was the $50 million question on everyone’s mind in the DC Hand Dance community.
The Chateau—now renamed The Chateau Lounge—has gone through several management changes since its original owner, Seresa “Nut” Coleman, passed away in 2016. Located at 3439 Benning Road NE in Ward 7, the Chateau has long been a premier nightclub, dance club, and event space since Coleman opened it in 1967. It was one of the most popular venues for DC hand dance, a contemporary swing-style partner dance officially designated “The Official Dance of the District of Columbia” by a 2007 DC Council resolution. Hand dance has been rooted in DC’s African American community since the 1950s, when dancers gathered at Turner’s Arena and ballrooms along U Street and throughout the city.
The original Chateau closed shortly after Coleman’s death. The hand dance community was left without a Friday night venue in DC and had to travel to Prince George’s County, where clubs, sports bars, ballrooms, and lodges welcomed their business.
In fall 2016, the Chateau reopened as The Chateau Remix under new management. It remained open—aside from pandemic closures—until late summer 2024, when the location shut its doors again.
Rebirth as The Chateau Lounge
The Chateau Lounge has now reopened under new owners Kia Wallace and Lashawn Monroe. They gutted and remodeled the interior into a modern nightclub, replacing the two small dance floors with one large laminated wood floor, adding a VIP section and a refurbished bar. Most notably, the DJ booth now overlooks the dance floor, giving the DJ a panoramic view. Kia and Lashawn also plan to showcase community artwork on the walls.
Grand Reopening Night and Beyond
On April 18, a large crowd enjoyed a night of hand and line dancing. The DJ played a mix of oldies and contemporary hand dance music. Popular line dances like “Boots on the Ground” and “Jerusalema” drew people to the floor.
Asked why they took over The Chateau, Kia said, “I started coming to the Chateau when I was 25. I’m now 55. I had the best time of my life.” Both owners emphasized that while The Chateau Lounge will include new twists, it will always honor the spirit of Mr. Coleman and the original venue.
Plans for The Chateau Lounge include the continuation of Hand Dance Fridays, a long-time tradition. Sisters Betty Berkley and Barbara Mitchell, devoted Friday night patrons, praised the renovation. “This is the only Black-owned place in DC that plays oldies,” said Betty. “My sister and I will continue to support the club.” Another patron, Renee Sims, said, “I love the new environment—the design, the new dance floor, and the DJ setup.”
“We want to open up different vibes,” said Lashawn. They’ve been meeting with community members to learn what people want. Ideas include live performances featuring jazz, Go-go, and R&B; comedy and art shows; events for seniors; the return of hand dance classes; and daytime dance parties, which have become popular with baby boomers. They also want to continue a cherished weekly recreational program for people with disabilities that features music, dancing, and games—an event started by Mr. Coleman and continued under the Chateau Remix.
They also plan to keep the venue inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community. Over the years, the Chateau has hosted LGBTQ+ dance nights and drag shows. Shi Queeta-Lee’s Drag Show, featuring impersonations of legends like Chaka Khan and Tina Turner, has returned. The Mother’s Day “Shi Queeta-Lee’s Drag Brunch” was held at the newly reopened lounge, with more shows planned.
Supporting the Community
Lashawn Monroe said they also want to offer workforce development through partnerships with the DC Department of Employment Services. “We’re both certified construction trainers,” she said. “This won’t just be a music venue, but a community resource.” They plan to apply for grants to support daytime programming.
Entertainment promoters are already booking events. Promoter Webster Holmes said he’s excited to host dance nights and performances. “There are big improvements. I love the new stage and want to support these ladies,” he said. “I’m planning an oldies dance with a band and DJ.”
Doris Bishop, President of the River Terrace Community Organization in Ward 7, is enthusiastic about the future of the lounge. “This venue has been part of the community for over 50 years. Kia and Lashawn are taking it to another level with meaningful programming. These ladies are innovative community stakeholders. We look forward to a rich partnership.”
The Chateau Lounge
3439 Benning Road, NE
202 204-1133
Open Fridays for Hand Dancing; 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Call for other listed events
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575261275210.
chateaulounge3439@gmail.com
Beverly Lindsay-Johnson is a board member of the National Hand Dance Association and the African American Music Association.
