Time is running out for Ashburton’s Balmoral Hall.
The district council is not taking bookings beyond December 31, as it prepares to either demolish or sell the 1936 building on Cass St.
It strikes a sad note for Dance Worx teacher Charmaine Quaid, who has held classes there for more than 50 years.
This week has been particularly sad as it is the time of year for dance exams.
For the last time ever, Quaid is seeing her pupils go into the exam room at the hall.
‘‘I’m sad for the hall, it’s been hundreds and hundreds of children come through here,’’ Quaid said.
‘‘It’s a space that not many dance teachers have the privilege of using.’’
Its classic interior dance room with bar and wooden floor is ideal for ballet.
Quaid knows she will have to be out by Christmas.
She will move her classes to a new venue at a yet-to-be-released location.
‘‘That’s just under negotiation,’’ she said.
Quaid and fellow dance teachers and pupils and their families fought to save the hall.
In April last year, about 250 turned out with placards.
Historic Places Mid Canterbury got on board, wanting heritage status.
But Long Term Plan public consultation failed to attract majority support.
