Memphis Bop Club Dance Statistics

The Memphis Bop Club was born out of frustration—the frustration felt by Memphis dancers when Chevy’s closed in early 1986, leaving no nightclub that offered the music or dance environment they loved.

On April 3, 1987, a small group of passionate dancers held their first meeting to explore the idea of forming their own “Bop Club.” That group included:

Together, they committed their time and energy to bringing The Memphis Bop Club to life. They created an application form and introduced the idea at Temptations, the only nightclub in Memphis at the time that supported 1950s and 1960s music.

It quickly became clear that the concept resonated with the community. The response was overwhelming — membership grew from 50 to 75, and soon to 100 members within just a few weeks.

The club’s first dance lessons were held in members’ homes, and early monthly parties took place in the clubhouse at Lin Quint’s apartment complex. However, the club rapidly outgrew this space and required larger venues. Over the past several decades, The Memphis Bop Club has held dances at numerous locations across the city.

Through all these changes, one thing has remained constant: a shared love of music, dance, and community.

Executive Board — The Memphis Bop Club

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The name of the corporation shall be THE MEMPHIS BOP CLUB, INC., and it may sometimes be referred to in these bylaws as the "MBC" or the "Club". For the purposes of these Bylaws, the word member refers to he/she or his/hers.

The purpose for which this not-for-profit corporation is organized is to do all things hereinafter set forth to the same extent as a natural person might or could do anywhere in the State of Tennessee, namely:

A. The principal goal of this organization shall be to establish and maintain recognition of the specific style of music and dance known as the "Memphis Bop" as well as other forms of dance as part of National Musical Heritage.

B. Provide quality dance opportunities in a welcoming enthusiastic environment.

Active Member: An Active Member shall be in good standing, entitled to vote and attend Club functions.

1. Be at least 21 years of age.

2. Apply on the official membership application and sign the waiver clause.

3. Pay the required dues, if any.

4. Be approved by the Executive Board.

5. If door prizes are given away, members and non-members may receive a ticket upon entry or some method of giving prizes away.

A. Any unethical and/or illegal behavior and/or action by a member for financial gain and/or benefit from any Club activity shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the Club membership. Any action detrimental to the welfare of the Club or in violation of any Bylaws shall be subject to the same disciplinary actions.

B. Failure to abide by the rules set forth in these Bylaws of the MBC may result in disciplinary action up to and including removal by the Board.

C. No member or organization may distribute literature to members of the Club during Club dances, events, or functions without approval from the President and/or Board.

A. Active Members:

1. No club membership Dues are charged at this time. Club membership dues are considered included in the entry fee if the person wishes to join the club.

2. If dues are collected, they shall not be transferable, nor shall there be any refund of dues unless approved by the Board.

3. Members dance admission / cover charge fee is set and changed by the Board.

A. This Section is Reserved at this time.

The fiscal year of the Club shall be from January 1st to December 31st, inclusive.

A. The Executive Officers (board members) shall be: (1) President, (2) Vice-President, (3) Secretary, (4) Treasurer, (5) Sergeant at Arms, (6) Parliamentarian, (7) Past President.

B. These officers shall perform the duties prescribed by these Bylaws, Standing Rules, Code of Ethics, and by the parliamentary authority of the Club or Robert's Rules of Order.

A. The Officers shall be elected by ballot to serve for one (1) year or until the beginning of the next fiscal year after their successor is elected. Their term of office shall begin at the beginning of the Club's next fiscal year.

All officers, in addition to their specified duties, shall perform other duties as it pertains to their office, or as designated by the President.

A. THE PRESIDENT SHALL:

1. Preside at all meetings of the club and the Executive Board.

2. Create any committee on an as needed basis.

3. Be an ex-officio member of all committees, except the nomination committee, with the option to vote.

4. Assist the Vice-President in preparation of the yearly budget.

5. Serve on the Executive Board as a Director for one (1) year following his/her term of office. (Past President).

6. Only vote on the Executive Board to break a tie vote.

7. Cannot make a motion, second a motion or make a recommendation unless he/she steps down as President and allows the Vice-President to preside over this portion of the meeting.

8. Be the only appointing authority to appoint a Chairperson for any Ad-Hoc committee. This Ad-Hoc Chairperson will be responsible for reporting to the President and/or Board and is not liable to report to any other Committee Chair.

9. Ensure that all reports are filed with the appropriate outside agency.

B. THE VICE-PRESIDENT SHALL:

1. Also function as the Budget and Finance Director.

2. Perform the duties of the President in the event of his/her absence or inability to perform his/her duties of office.

3. Assist the President with the preparation of the annual budget for his/her fiscal year.

4. Supervise accounting procedure of any committee handling Club funds.

5. Present to the membership the operating budget for approval. After approval, any amendments to the operating budget must be approved by the Board.

C. THE SECRETARY SHALL:

1. Keep an accurate record of the proceedings of all meetings of the Club and Executive Board.

2. Under the direction of the President, conduct the general correspondence of the Club.

3. Keep an attendance record of all meetings.

D. THE TREASURER SHALL:

1. Be the custodian of all Club funds.

2. Receive all monies and disburse funds only upon the approval of the Executive Board or membership.

3. Submit monthly and year-to-date financial statements versus budget at each regular meeting and interim reports when requested by the Executive Board.

4. Submit financial records for audit when required.

5. Prepare all necessary annual forms with the IRS in compliance with the income tax laws, with the help of MBC's CPA. The Executive Board must approve the CPA and fees.

6. Serve as a member of the Budget and Finance Committee.

7. The MBC, at their expense, shall bond the Treasurer.

8. All Club donations must be reported to and approved by the Treasurer and/or President prior to disbursement.

9. Shall work with the Membership Chairman to maintain an accurate roster of the membership.

10. Print an updated membership roster for each dance and Board meeting.

11. Before March 1st each year — Shelby County Property Tax Assessment.

12. Before April 1st each year — Tennessee Division of Business Services Annual Report Non-Profit Corporation.

13. October — American Bop Association Dues.

14. November — American Bop Association BMI & ASCAP Music License.

15. November — Pay Shelby County Personal Property taxes.

16. Before December 31st — Post Office Box Rental — Annual rent.

E. THE SERGEANT AT ARMS SHALL:

1. Preserve order at all Club meetings and functions up to and including expulsion of disruptive members from the Club dances, events and/or meetings.

2. The President and/or Parliamentarian will serve in the absence of the Sergeant-at-Arms.

F. THE PARLIAMENTARIAN SHALL:

1. Have working knowledge of parliamentary procedure.

2. Advise the Club of parliamentary procedure at all meetings.

3. Be Chairperson of the Ethics and By-Laws committee.

4. Ensure the Club's copy of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised be at each meeting.

5. Advise and enforce MBC's Bylaws, Standing Rules and Robert's Rules of Order.

Before a member can be nominated for an office of the Club, he/she shall: Be an Active Member for at least 1 year who participates in club functions on a regular basis.

A. A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the Vice-President for the remainder of the term.

B. If a vacancy should occur in any other office, the Executive Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting shall fill the vacancy through appointment from the existing qualified members. The nominee should have agreed to serve prior to them being nominated at the next scheduled Board meeting.

The Executive Officers of the Club, and Past President, shall constitute the Executive Board.

A. Each Director on the Executive Board shall be elected by ballot of the membership, except in the case of a vacancy during the fiscal year.

B. The term of office for each Director on the Executive Board shall be one (1) calendar year.

A. The Executive Board shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Club between its business meetings. It shall schedule the time and place of meetings; make recommendations to the Club; perform the duties as specified in these Bylaws, Standing Rules and Code of Ethics. It shall be the parliamentary authority for the Club.

B. Unless otherwise ordered by the Executive Board, regular meetings of the Executive Board shall be held Quarterly. The President can call special meetings of the Executive Board. Upon the written request of at least three (3) members of the Executive Board, a special Board meeting must be called.

C. General responsibilities of the Executive Board:

1. Attend all official Board and Membership meetings. (a) Failure to attend three (3) consecutive Board and/or Membership meetings, without a valid reason, shall constitute grounds for removal from the Board. (b) Removal of a sitting Director shall require a 2/3 majority vote of the Executive Board.

2. Perform all duties assigned by the President and/or required by these Bylaws. (a) Failure to perform assigned duties shall constitute grounds for removal from the Board. (b) Removal of a sitting Director for failure to perform their assigned or required duties shall require a 2/3 majority vote of the Executive Board.

A. The Executive Board shall have the authority to:

1. Expend funds allotted in the approved budget.

2. Funds of the MBC shall not be committed to or spent, and MBC may not be committed by contract to any obligation without the prior approval of the MBC Board of Directors, except the President may authorize expenditures up to a limited amount not to exceed Five Hundred dollars ($500.00) without prior Board approval. The President is accountable for such expenditures. Completion of a voucher, and approved by the Board, accompanied with receipts, shall be presented to the Treasurer prior to reimbursement.

3. Until a new Club fiscal year budget is approved by the Membership at the first Membership meeting during the first quarter, the newly elected Executive Board shall have the authority to expend Club funds in an amount not to exceed the previous year's budget.

A qualified member, except those covered by Article VI, Section V, shall fill any vacancy on the Executive Board, for the unexpired term, by a majority vote of the remaining Board.

Any member of the Executive Board may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Executive Board, the President, or the Secretary of the Club. Unless otherwise specified in such written notice, such resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Executive Board of such officer. Acceptance shall not be necessary to make it effective.

A. No contract or other transaction between the Club and any other organization or corporation shall be impaired, affected, or invalidated, nor shall any Director be liable in any way by reason of the fact that any one or more of the Club members or Directors of the Club has an interest in, or is a Director or Officer of such other organizations or corporations; provided such facts are disclosed to the Executive Board prior to finalization of the contract, provided the contract is entered into by the Club pursuant to and in furtherance of its purpose.

B. Any member or Director, personally or individually, may be a party to or have an interest in any contract or transaction of this Club provided such facts are disclosed to the Executive Board prior to the Board authorizing, approving or ratifying such contract or transaction by the vote of a majority or a quorum, notwithstanding the presence of any such member or Director at the meeting at which such action is taken. Such member or Director may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at such meeting.

C. The Executive Board may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Club. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

D. The Executive Board may not award a contract for the purchase of goods or services not previously approved by the membership in the annual budget without taking bids. The contract must be awarded to the best bid based on price and ability to perform parameters of the contract upon approval by the Executive Board.

At all meetings of the Executive Board the presence of a majority of the entire Executive Board shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business except for the letting of contracts, in which case a quorum shall be two-thirds (2/3) of the entire Executive Board.

No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the Club and no evidences of indebtedness issued in its name unless authorized by the Executive Board prior to the action. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name of the Club, shall be signed by at least two (2) of the authorized officers of the Club and in such manner as shall be determined by the Executive Board.

All funds of the Club shall be deposited to the credit of the Club in such bank, trust companies or other depositories as the Executive Board may select.

A. The Chairperson of the Nominating Committee will be appointed by the President during the Third Quarter Board Meeting. Members who desire to run for a position must notify the Election chairperson. Nominees must consent and qualify for the position.

B. The President & Nominating Chairperson shall announce a deadline for all members who desire to run for a position on the board. Members must notify the Election Chairperson.

C. At a General Membership Meeting scheduled by the Board, Members who previously notified the Election Chairperson they wanted to be on the ballot will be announced and voted on. NO Nominations from the floor will be permitted. Nominees must consent and qualify for the position.

D. If the Nominating Chairperson desires to run for a position, they must resign to become a candidate for election to office. The President will nominate another Election Chairperson.

A. Officers and Directors shall be elected by a ballot of those members eligible to vote at a General Membership Meeting scheduled by the Board.

B. In the event of a tie vote for any position a new ballot shall be cast for the position at the meeting until the tie is broken.

C. In the event there are two (2) or more candidates for any position, the candidate with the most votes will win. In the event there is less than a three (3) vote differential, a recount must be completed.

D. If there are noted discrepancies in the voting ballots, a re-election must be held (e.g., too many ballots given out per person).

E. Nominating Chairperson should check off the roster list as the ballots are placed in the ballot box.

F. All members wishing to vote must be in attendance for the night and pay entrance fee.

G. Installation of the Board of Directors shall take place at the New Year's Eve Dance or at the first dance event of the new year. They begin their duties on January 1 regardless.

Standing Committees appointed as needed by the President and approved by the Board of Directors.

A. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE SHALL:

1. Be responsible for making sure members receive a membership packet to contain at least: (a) Membership card, (b) Copy of Bylaws, (c) Club's Standing Rules, (d) Code of Ethics.

2. Be responsible for submitting applications of new members to the Secretary and Treasurer.

3. Two (2) members shall be required to collect admission/cover charge, check membership status, issue new membership cards and collect any dues if applicable at all MBC functions.

4. Membership Chair, Acting Chair or designated person(s) shall tally all receipts at or near the end of a dance.

5. Determine voting eligibility of members whenever a ballot is necessary.

B. FOOD COMMITTEE SHALL:

1. Be responsible for ensuring there is sufficient food for any event where food/beverage is requested.

2. Get two (2) bids for food costing more than Five Hundred dollars ($500.00).

C. DANCE COMMITTEE SHALL:

1. Be responsible for providing free dance lessons to members.

2. Dance fees shall be submitted to the Treasurer.

3. Coordinate all dance demo/functions.

D. PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE SHALL:

1. Be responsible for promoting the growth of the Club.

2. Be responsible for promoting a positive image of the Club in the community.

3. Be responsible for finding or creating marketing opportunities for the Club. (Any expenditure of more than Two Hundred dollars ($200.00) for advertising must be approved by the Board.)

E. ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE SHALL:

1. Be the Club contact point for charities.

2. Be responsible for coordinating the Club's participation in charitable activities selected by the Executive Board.

3. Be the contact committee for non-charitable organizations which wish to request Club participation in their projects, except dance demos and/or functions.

4. Be responsible for recommending, organizing and coordinating all activities in support of Club functions and/or projects, except dance demos and/or functions.

5. Be responsible for disbursing tickets to members for door prizes. (If necessary, the Chairperson can ask for volunteers to assist.)

6. Be responsible for purchasing prizes or getting donated prizes to be given away at each dance.

F. MUSIC COMMITTEE SHALL:

1. Be responsible for determining and providing music for: (a) The weekly dances. (b) Special events held throughout the year. (c) Any place the Club assembles that does not have music facilities available when desired. (d) Procurement and maintenance of equipment.

G. ETHICS COMMITTEE SHALL:

1. Be responsible for investigating violations and enforcing the bylaws, standing rules and code of ethics of the Club.

2. Be responsible for disciplinary matters as outlined in the Club's copy of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.

3. Be responsible for revising the Club's bylaws.

H. DECORATING COMMITTEE SHALL:

1. Be responsible for determining and providing decoration for events throughout the year.

I. SUNSHINE COMMITTEE:

1. Be responsible for sending a card, flowers or plant as follows for sickness or death: (a) A card will be sent if a member is hospitalized for two or more days. (b) A memorial will be sent if an active member has a death of a spouse or child.

Any Ad-Hoc committee shall be appointed by the President or the Chair of that committee.

Membership meetings of the MBC will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The meeting times and place will be communicated to the Membership at least Fourteen (14) days prior to each meeting.

The President or the Executive Board may call a Special Meeting. A Special Meeting must be called upon written request of five (5) members of the Executive Board, or Twenty (20) members in good standing of the Club. The purpose of the meeting shall be stated in the written request. Except in cases of emergency, at least three (3) days' notice of the meeting shall be given.

A. Members present shall constitute a quorum at any Membership meeting.

B. Ten percent (10%) of the membership is required at meetings to amend the Bylaws.

To affect the dissolution of the Club, these Bylaws must be rescinded by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the membership after ten (10) days' notice has been given to each member. All the assets of the Club shall be divided equally among the members in good standing.

The rules contained in the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority of all matters of procedure for the Club not specifically covered by its Bylaws, Standing Rules, and Code of Ethics.

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of at least ten percent (10%) of the membership. A proposed amendment of the Bylaws must be read at a regular meeting prior to the meeting to amend the Bylaws.

Revised 4/12/2021

The Club name and logo or equipment may not be used by anyone for any reason without prior approval of the Executive Board.

Club members who desire to use MBC music equipment must get prior approval of the Board and use one of the MBC DJ's who normally operate our equipment.

The Club member and DJ will be required to fill out a "Use of Equipment Form" and both need to sign the form and return it to a Club Officer. Both will be responsible for any damage to Club equipment. All equipment must not be removed or used at a different location from where the MBC weekly dances are being held.

A. No Annual dues.

B. Deleted 4-12-21.

C. Deleted 4-12-21.

D. Dues may be changed by vote of membership.

E. Deleted 4-12-21.

A. All guests must sign the waiver form and abide by the language contained therein.

B. Guest's admission / cover charge fee is set and changed by the Board.

A. Member is responsible for any door fees for his/her guest, should guest fail to pay.

B. Out of town members of sister clubs shall be admitted at member rate.

A. Drugs: Drugs will not be tolerated. Possession or use of any illegal substance is prohibited. Disciplinary action will be taken.

B. Disorderly Conduct: Any member or guest engaging in disorderly conduct will be expelled from the Club function with further disciplinary action to be determined by the Ethics Committee.

C. Improper Conduct: Unladylike or ungentlemanly behavior of any kind by any member or guest will not be tolerated.

D. Acceptable Dress: Appropriate dress is required at all functions.

E. Minors: Minors will not be allowed to attend Club functions unless authorized by the Executive Board.

F. Meetings: (1) Members not in good standing will not be allowed to vote on any matters of the Club. (2) Any member committing to attend any Club authorized function shall be responsible for any and all fees incurred.

There will be an official Club roster containing each member's name, address, email, and phone number.

A. This roster is strictly confidential.

B. Each member has the option to have his/her name, address, email, and phone number on a public Club roster.

C. The Club roster shall not be used for commercial use without prior approval of the Board.

D. The Executive Board are the only members to possess a copy of the Club roster.

Voluntary donations of goods for charitable events/causes may be taken at Club functions subject to prior approval of the Executive Board and a receptacle may be placed near the entrance for such purpose.

A. The Club will not be responsible for expenses incurred for any impromptu gathering of Club members.

B. The Club will pay (within reason) for the ABA representative to attend the Association's yearly meeting, to be approved by the Executive Board.

C. The Club will pay (within reason) for the President to attend the ABA yearly meeting, to be approved by the Executive Board.

D. Receipts for all travel and lodging expenses must be presented to the Club Treasurer by the attending ABA representative and the President.

A. Beverages such as alcohol, water, etc. can be brought to our dances at The Great Hall. (The Board authorized BYOB for dances held at the Great Hall during a meeting on April 18, 2021.)

B. Any member or guest violating the above rule will be asked to leave and disciplinary action will be taken.

C. Any member and his/her guest(s) are subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal, State, County, and City laws, rules and regulations of authority.

A. The Executive Board shall select the Member of the Year. If we have more than one person or couple nominated for member of the year, the voting will go to the membership during a November dance. (Passed by Board of Directors meeting November 4, 2019 and passed by Membership November 2019.) If there is a couple deserving this honor, there can be two (2) Members of the Year. Each person shall receive a Club jacket and plaque.

The music we play at our dances is owned by artists, companies, etc. We pay three sources to be able to play that music: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Our American Bop Association clubs pay for ASCAP and BMI and the ABA covers SESAC. They each give us an amount per attendee that covers the music usage, and we pass that along to the clubs. We try to break even each year so that our clubs pay the lowest rate that we are aware of. These licensing outlets then pay the artists and companies that own the music based on some agreement worked out with them.

Your Contract numbers to keep on file are:

ASCAP    #500788860

BMI      #1223417

SESAC    #67768-722756

(ALL listed under the contracts for the American Bop Association)

Revised 1/01/2018

ALL MEMBERS SHALL:

1. Abide by the Bylaws, Standing Rules, Code of Ethics, and where applicable Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

2. Refrain from starting and/or spreading rumors.

3. Refrain from fighting at Club functions.

4. Refrain from loud and obscene language.

5. Be attentive and quiet during meetings.

6. Be very cautious in accusations of others in as much as this is taken seriously by the Ethics Committee.

7. Cannot distribute literature of any kind at any Club function without permission of the Executive Board or President. Violators will be asked to leave if this is reported or noticed by any Board member.

8. Slanderous language or action toward another member of MBC or the Club itself shall NOT be tolerated. Disciplinary action will follow.

The Memphis Bop Club, Inc. — Bylaws Revised March 27, 2026

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👥Current Membership List
257 Active Members 📋Former Members
110 Former Members ✝In Memoriam
31 Members Remembered ✕ Close

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📹T-Shirts May 2026
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