Historic Berea Venue Hosts Modern Dance Event This Saturday
Club Arena Skating Rink, celebrating 65 years in business, welcomes a new generation of entertainment this Saturday with the K-Pop Hop Dance-a-thon. The event blends the venue’s decades-long tradition of family fun with the global phenomenon of Korean pop music and dance culture.
The dance-a-thon takes place Saturday, November 8 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Club Arena, located at 211 N Broadway Street in Berea’s Old Town district.
A Tradition of Bringing Generations Together
Founded in 1960 by Charlie and Polly Wyatt, Club Arena has been providing family entertainment and recreation for 65 years. The skating rink has served multiple generations of Berea families, including current Mayor Bruce Fraley and members of the City Council who recall skating there as children.
Earlier this year, the City of Berea honored the venue’s milestone by proclaiming January as “Roller Skating Month in Berea.” Current owners George and Doris Wyatt, who have continued the family business, recently completed renovations including refinishing the rink floor last summer.
The K-Pop Hop Dance-a-thon represents the venue’s ongoing commitment to evolving with the times while maintaining its core mission of family-friendly entertainment.
K-Pop Culture Meets Kentucky Community
K-Pop, short for Korean Pop, has transformed from a musical subculture in 1990s South Korea into a global cultural phenomenon. The genre is characterized by its precision choreography, synchronized dance moves, and high-energy performances that emphasize visual appeal alongside musical talent.
Dance has been central to K-Pop since the industry’s founding, with elaborate routines that blend various styles including hip-hop, contemporary, and traditional Korean movement. The genre’s emphasis on group synchronization and dynamic staging has inspired youth worldwide to learn and perform K-Pop dances.
The K-Pop Hop Dance-a-thon brings this international youth culture to Berea, offering local young people a chance to celebrate the music and dance styles they’ve been following online and on social media.
Four Hours of Dance and Community
Hosted by Dakota Murray Raisor and Cassie Fortner, the event runs for four hours, giving participants plenty of time to dance, socialize, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of combining K-Pop culture with Club Arena’s retro-modern setting.
The dance-a-thon format encourages sustained participation and community building, as attendees share their enthusiasm for K-Pop music and choreography. It’s an opportunity for young fans to connect with others who share their interests while staying active and engaged.
Where Retro Meets Modern
Club Arena describes itself as “retro with a modern twist,” making it an ideal venue for an event that bridges traditional community gathering spaces with contemporary youth culture. The skating rink has always adapted to changing entertainment trends while maintaining its family-friendly atmosphere.
The Wyatts have long understood that serving the community means meeting families where they are. While roller skating remains the venue’s primary offering, hosting events like the K-Pop Hop Dance-a-thon demonstrates Club Arena’s flexibility and commitment to providing diverse entertainment options for all ages.
A Community Landmark Looks Forward
George Wyatt, a former Berea City Council member who currently serves as chairman of the Madison County Airport Board, has been a fixture in community service alongside his wife Doris, who spent many years as chief administrator of the Berea Housing Authority. Their dedication to both the business and the broader community has helped Club Arena remain relevant across six and a half decades.
The venue’s 65th anniversary celebration earlier this year drew 130 skaters plus an additional 170 attendees—a testament to the affection Berea residents hold for this local institution.
Celebrating Youth Culture in a Historic Space
The K-Pop Hop Dance-a-thon offers something unique: a chance for young people to celebrate contemporary global culture in a space that has been bringing Berea families together since 1960. It’s a reminder that the best community spaces evolve while staying true to their mission of bringing people together.
Whether you’re a dedicated K-Pop fan or simply curious about this global phenomenon, Saturday’s event offers a welcoming environment to experience the energy and creativity of Korean pop culture—right here in Berea’s Old Town.
K-Pop Hop Dance-a-thon📅 Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM📍 Location: Club Arena Skating Rink, 211 N Broadway Street, Berea🎫 Hosted by: Dakota Murray Raisor and Cassie Fortner
📞 Contact: 859-986-3881🌐 More Info: Club Arena Skating Rink
Celebrating 65 years of family fun—from roller skating to K-Pop, Club Arena continues bringing the community together.