Wonderland and its dancers give way to time

Jessica Rinaldi for The Boston Globe

Wonderland Ballroom in Revere is headed toward demolition and a likely future as a hotel.

David L. Ryan/Globe Staff/File

The dance floors were once crowded with waltzing couples in suits and full skirts, like Nathan and Beatrice Ginsburt of Revere, seen in this 1974 image.

Jan Housewerth/Globe/File 1986

Joseph Malino of Milton spun Connie Polito of Dedham around on the floor.

Jessica Rinaldi for The Boston Globe

Longtime orchestra leader Tony Bruno Jr. told the Globe in 1986 he once tried to sneak in a fox-trot at the end of a waltz set, an experiment he never tried again due to the negative reaction.

Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff/File 1996

The Bridgettes-Geritol Cuties Tap Dancers performed at a fund-raiser and self-esteem booster for the elderly.

Yunghi Kim/Globe Staff/File 1995

Mary-Jean Distefano with her father Joseph Distefano waltzed on the dance floor. The elder Distefano had bought the facility in 1994.

Jessica Rinaldi for The Boston Globe

Current owner Robert Merowitz has tried to keep ballroom dancing alive after he bought the venue in 2002, but attendance dwindled.

Lane Turner/Globe Staff/File 2003

The facility was also temporarily converted into an entertainment complex featuring the Latin nightclub Club Lido.

Lisa Poole/File 2011

The club reverted back to the name Wonderland Ballroom, hosting Latin, hard-rock, and reggae shows on weekends.

Jessica Rinaldi for The Boston Globe

"You got on the dance floor and you just danced, and all there is is you, your partner, and the music," said former Wonderland dancer Rachel Joaquim.

Jessica Rinaldi for The Boston Globe

Sometimes, Joaquim twirls around her living room, waiting patiently each time for an imaginary partner to ask her to dance.