Rebecca Willis

Rebecca Willis was awarded $275,000 in a lawsuit after city officials in Marshall, NC tried to ban her from the city's community center. Willis, age 56 at the time, reportedly showed up in a short skirt that revealed her underwear and began to dance inappropriately, "gyrating" and "simulating sex" with her dance partner.WowoWow: North Carolina Woman, Rebecca Willis, Paid Off After 'Dirty Dancing' (November 14, 2008) After other city residents were reportedly shocked by her dancing and officials tried to ban her, Willis hired a lawyer and began a lawsuit with the city that lasted eight years. Willis reportedly felt that being banned from a public place was a violation of her rights, and the court decided in her favor in 2008.WowoWow: North Carolina Woman, Rebecca Willis, Paid Off After 'Dirty Dancing' (November 14, 2008)

According to Sasser, Willis' attorney, the city officials claimed that they would rather burn the community center down than allow Willis to return.Tampabay.com: To stop dance, town sets price at $275,000 (November 14, 2008) Willis claimed that she was only celebrating "diversity and free expression."College on the Record: Rebecca Willis Bump and Grinds Her Way to $275K (November 14, 2008) The lawsuit lasted eight years, going twice before a district court judge and twice before the Court of Appeals. Willis stated that she hopes the lawsuit will remind the town that government-sponsored events should allow for diversity.Citizen-Times.com: Marshall dance hall case settled (November 13, 2008)

"I am very happy with this settlement and relieved that the lawsuit is finally over." — WillisChicago Sun-Times: Dancer gets $275,000 for ban (November 14, 2008)

"This lawsuit has drawn a great deal of attention. It’s a unique case...that will be talked about in law schools." — Leake, city's attorneyCitizen-Times.com: Dancing lawsuit outcome disputed (October 30, 2008)