A part of Historic West End since 1999, Kadts Ballroom Dance Club will close its doors on May 15.

“I’ve been told our school is one of the first, and one of the few, African-American-owned ballroom dance studios as certified by the National Dance Council of America,” said owner Tjames Scott. “But we’ve run out of resources and we need to put together a new plan to survive this current economic situation.

“I’m happy we’ve been able to as much we have, and for dance to have been part of a very nice, warm and friendly family atmosphere.”

Scott said he decided not to renew his lease “because this whole economic situation made me come to grips with reality. I’ve been hoping for the last two years that things would turn around, but they haven’t.

“I was faced with a decision to either renew the lease and survive month to month, or get out.”

Scott said the period between 2005 and 2008 were high points. “Man, we had parties and classes for students from all over the world. We were able to introduce ballroom dancing to the Historic West End with groups from everywhere from Germany to Japan.”

Scott said he intends to keep teaching dance at Quality Living Services, a senior-care organization, and the Southwest Arts Center. “We actually have a ballroom dance performing arts group at Quality Living Services,” Scott said.

“I’ll figure something out. If I do this again, it will be in a much bigger, full-service dance center. If things work out and I find enough support, then great. But I’m going to keep my name out there.”