This page tries to keep track of all contra dances, traditional square dances (but not Modern Western Square Dances), traditional waltz sessions and Scandinavian dances in Texas including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Texas which include contra dancing and these other forms. Because most of the information is gathered from web sites and the listings are not updated as frequently as the web sites, dancers should visit the web sites for up-to-date information. If you are aware of any dances, dance series or other events that should be included on this list, please e-mail me.
Schedule note:
As of January 1, 2021, the dance listings should be fairly up to date including whether dances are canceled although I am behind in keeping up to date with festivals, weekends, etc.. At this point, my assumption is that all dances and events are canceled unless they are virtual/on-line. Since we've entered the 2020-2021 "season" for many series and they never posted dates, information about evening/afternoon dances is getting "thin". Also note that some dance weekends, etc. are already postponing events from winter/spring of 2021 to similar dates in 2022.
Conversations and cancelations are happening every day in connection with dances as part of regular series and also weekends, festivals, etc. I'll try to keep current as much as possible, but please check the individual web sites, Facebook groups/pages, e-mail lists, etc. for the most up-to-date information about a dance or other event that you may want to attend.
Athens - Lakeview Lodge: Dances at The Lakeview Lodge, 1801 Flat Creek Road from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Contact Linda Mrosko at elmerosko@gmail.com - 903/451-5535. Web site: None.
Austin - Wednesday: The Austin Barn Dance is each Wednesday at the Hancock Recreation Center, 811 East 41st Street from 7:30pm - 9:45pm, FREE, no partners needed. A variety of callers provide direction and a pick-up "old time" string band provides the music. so if you want to learn how to play contra music (or the occassional waltz), please feel free to bring your instrument to play as much as you want, and also to dance. For more information, call Dale Rempert, (512) 453-4225, or e-mail drempert@ix.netcom.com. Web site: http://austinbarndancers.org/.
Austin - 3rd Saturday: The Austin Third Saturday Contra Dance is held at Inspired Movement Studio, 2311 South Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704. Live music, all dances taught and called. The dance begins at 7:00 pm with a walk-through of the basic moves, and continues until 10:00 pm. Please note that this is a fragrance-free dance. Regular admission: $10, TAADA members $8, Students $5. Presented by the Traditional Austin Area Dance Association, for more information visit our website: http://www.taada.us.
Austin - Swing Syndicate Contra: On Thursday nights, about 200 swing dancers converge on the ballroom at the Fed (2312 San Gabriel St) for the Austin Swing Syndicate's weekly dance. The swing dancers have offered us the side room (the Georgian Tea Room) to do a two-hour contra dance (9:15-11:30 pm) on Thursday, March 26. Contra dancers can get in for $3/person instead of the usual $5. (Swing Syndicate members get in for $2.) Let's show all those swing dancers how much fun contra dancing is! Come early to find a parking place and an opportunity to attend the free intro swing class from 8:15 to 9:15! For more info, contact Marianne Letts at marianne@illuin.org. Web site: None.
Austin - Fire Ant Frolic The Fire Ant Frolic Contra Dance Weekend will hold an online Zoom dance and social on October 31, 2020, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Costumes are encouraged and optional. Music will be provided by Noah and Andrew VanNorstrand. Calling is by Seth Tepfer. Claire Takemori of California will be our lead facilitator. Sound is by Alan Randall Roberts. Log in to dance with your friends from all over the country! We'll have plenty of visiting time, as well as breakout rooms and activities. Contact faf@taada.us for the link as we get closer to the date, or visit our website for more information: http://www.taada.us - Web site: http://www.taada.us.
Austin - Special Dance: A special dance on a special night. See web site for details. Web site: http://taada.us.
Austin - Austin Pops Fiddle and Folk Week: A week of music classes in August with the opportunity with a little opportunity to dance during the evening and a chance to attend the evening contra dances in Austin. Web site: http://austinpops.org/.
Austin - University of Texas: UT Austin Contra and Folk Dancing will host a dance this night including contras and dances from the Balkans and Scandinavia. No experience or partner is needed! Everyone is welcome, invite your friends! We'll be there from 6pm til 8pm on Tuesday January 25. Location: Quadrangle Room (3.304) at the UT Austin's Texas Union Building. Web site: http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sald/studentorgs/vieworgs.php?org=4511 or http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=126996905831.
Austin - Squares - Farmers' Market: Square dance from 1 - 3pm at the Hope Farmers Market East Austin at E. 5th & Comal. Dance up a storm and buy veggies. Web site: http://hopefarmersmarket.org.
Austin - Squares - Pine Street Station: Dance at 1101 E 5th St, E 5th St & Waller, Austin TX, 78702. 7pm. $5 for admission. No experience or partner needed, all dances will be taught. Email AFTMTexas@gmail.com for more info. Web site: http://aftm.us/.
Austin - Squares: Old time square dance at Carpenter's Hall, 400 Josephine Street, Austin, TX from 7:30pm to 11:30pm. No experience necessary. No partner needed. Admission: $5. Web site: http://aftm.us/.
Austin - Waltz: Sessions on various dates, times, and venues. Web site: http://www.taada.us/waltzes.html.
Austin - Squares - Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company: Mini-square dance from 3-4pm, come on out and check out the beer and dance a square or 2. Location: 1305 W. Oltorf, Austin, Texas 78704. Web site: http://theabgb.com/.
Austin - Squares - Monofonus Press - Museum of Human Achievement: Dance at the Museum of Human Achievement put on by Monofonus press for a 'Big Zine' release. 7pm with dance from 8-11pm(ish). Free! 3600 Lyons Road 78702. So bring your instrument and play a little and dance a lot. Web site: http://monofonuspress.com/.
Austin - Squares - Farmshare Austin: Farmshare Austin will host a Farm Raiser at the Austin Saengerrunde, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, Texas 78701. The event will feature square dancing (with lessons first!) and live music with BBQ from Tony Grasso and Moontower Coop, local vegan and vegetarian delights, and craft beverages. Proceeds will be used to support Farmshare's Indiegogo campaign which will help the Farmer Starter program launch this fall. Event is from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tickets are $80+. Get yours today! Web site: http://farmshareaustin.org/farm-raiser/.
Austin - Pioneer Farms: Pioneer Farms has invited our dance group out to do a performance and participatory dance from 1-3 p.m. I hope lots of people are willing to come out and support their favorite dance organization. We want to build goodwill with Pioneer Farms so we can dance there in the future! Location: Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, Austin, Texas 78754. Web site: http://www.pioneerfarms.org/.
Austin - Mid-Winter Festival: Mostly music (a little dancing (squares, usually)), one-day event at the Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road. Web site: http://aftm.us.
Austin - Squares - First Friday Block Party: A square dance is one of the activities at this First Friday event sponsored by in.gridients. Event is from 6pm to 10pm and located at 2610 Manor Road, Austin, TX 78722. Web site: http://in.gredients.com.
Austin - Squares - Saengerrunde : Dances at the Austin Saengerrunde, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, Texas 78701. Admission: $5. Dances are from 7pm to 10pm. Food and Drink: Available from Scholz Garten next door. All dances will be taught, no experience or partner required. All ages are welcome. For more info email sharon.banjopicker@yahoo.com - Web site: https://www.facebook.com/AustinDare2Square.
Austin - Squares - In.gredients: Dances at in.gredients, 2610 Manor Rd, Austin, Texas 78722 from 6pm to 9pm. With a live fiddle band, experienced caller, and plenty of friendly faces, this is a great opportunity to try something new. Or, if you're a seasoned square (or contra) dancer, come on down and help us show the community how fun this American tradition really is. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/ingredients.io/.
Austin - Squares - Hard Luck Lounge: Dance at the Hard Luck Lounge, 3526 East 7th Street from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. No partner, experience or frilly clothing required. Come out, have fun, get some exercise and listen to a great band. Web site: None.
Austin - Squares - Wessell Dance Hall: Dance at the The Wessel Dance Hall at Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr. in North Austin from 7pm to 10pm. Cost: $10/person. Venue: Wessel Dance Hall was cut in half and moved to Austin from Fayette County. Pioneer Farms has done a wonderful job restoring the Hall. Make your plans! No experience or partner needed. All dances will be taught. Web site: http://www.pioneerfarms.org/.
Austin - Squares - Zilker: Dance at Zilker Brewing Company, 1701 E 6th St, Austin, Texas 78702 from 7pm to 10pm. No experience needed, all dances taught. Family friendly. $10 for dancing and a pint, or $5 just to dance. Web site: http://www.zilkerbeer.com/.
Austin - Crossover/Club Contra: Dances from 7:30pm – 9:45pm at the Hancock Golf Course and Recreation Center, 811 E 41st St, Austin, TX 78751, USA. Contra dancing done to Techno music and music of other decades. All dances taught by local callers. Web site: http://www.taada.us.
Austin - Barn Dance: Dance at Life in the City, 205 East Monroe Street, Austin, TX from 7:45pm to 10:00pm. Admission: $10; $5 with student ID. No partner, no experience, no problem. Web site: https://www.aftm.us/.
Azle - Summer Breeze: Summer Breeze Family Dance in Azle from 7:00pm to 11:00pm at 404 Place, 404 W. Main Street, Azle, TX 76020. Cost in advance is $5 per person with a limit of $20 per family plus a tray of finger food and a 2-liter drink. At the door is $7/person or $25 per family plus a tray of finger food and a 2-liter drink. For more information jthr@thebremers.com - Dress: Semi-Formal or costume. Contras, line dancing, waltzes, and swing. This dance is fun for the whole family. The caller teaches you the steps. Young children learn the dances with the help of the parents. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyDances.
Austin - Scandinavian: Austin Scandinavian Folk Dancers meet on the last Wednesday of the month in the Back Room of Hancock Recreation Center on 41st Street (between Red River and Duval). Other Wednesdays, they host jam sessions, open mics, song sessions, slow jams, and occasional tune teaching sessions. 7:30pm-9:45PM, FREE. Web site: http://www.visigral.com/austinscandi/.
Austin - Family Dance: Dance at the Ben Hur Shrine Temple, 7811 Rockwood Ln, Austin, Texas 78757 from 2pm to 3:30pm. A delightful, interactive, and beginner-friendly dance for elementary aged children and their parents! This workshop is part of the Fire Ant Frolic Contra Dance Weekend. You can register for the full event at http://www.fireantfrolic.org/reg.htm If you wish to attend the Barn Dance only, come and pay at the door. $10 per family. Web site: http://taada.us/index.html.
Austin - Scandinavian Concert and Dance: Enjoy a fantastic evening of Scandiavian Music and Dance. Cost is $20 at the door. Student and children $10. 7 PM - 10:30 PM at Wildflower Terrace, 3801 Berkman Dr, Austin, Texas 78723. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/529894570538112/.
Austin - Squares - Volcom: Concert and dance at Volcom,1209 E 6th St, Austin. Time: 7pm to 11pm. Beer and even a square dance! Web site: https://www.facebook.com/AustinDare2Square.
Austin - Squares - Handmade Swap: Square Dance and Handmade Swap from 2 PM - 4 PM at The Little Darlin', 6507 Circle S Rd Austin TX 78745, Austin, Texas 78745. The handmade swap is a fun way to trade your wares! We encourage folks to bring anything handmade from fine art to pickles to screen printed clothes, etc. and lay them all out for display. Everyone that brought an item draws a number then gets to choose an item in numbered order from the handmade table of goods. It’s fun. Old time square dance. No experience is necessary for the dances, as Sharon provides a quick instruction before each dance, then ‘calls’ or guides the dancers through the dance. If you can bounce up and down and smile, then you can square dance! Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/240947606474042/.
Austin - Squares - Lockhart Arts and Crafts: Dance at Lockhart Arts and Crafts, 113 N. Main St., Lockhart, TX, from 7pm to 11pm. Web site: http://www.lockhartartsandcraft.com.
Austin - Squares - Neil-Cochran House: Join us for a Friday night square dance party with live band from 8pm to 10pm at the Neil-Cochran House, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX. $10 general admission helps us pay for the venue space and the excellent live music each month! $5 admission for students just show us your ID. Web site: None.
Austin - Janie's Jumpstart Weekend Camp: Weekend of music classes in private home. Registration includes over 10 hours of instruction, all meals, snacks and beverages (coffee/tea), great teachers, house concert, small classes, jamming with staff, delicious food and a whole lot of fun! Web site: http://www.janiesjumpstart.com.
Azle - Carol of the Bells:RSVP by December 14, 2014. Time: 7:00-10:00 P.M. (DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 P.M.). Location: 404 Main Place, 404 W. Main St. Azle, TX. Dress: Formal. We invite you and your family to join us for the Carol of the Bells Family Dance. This dance is fun for the whole family! To see pictures of previous dances and for the dress code, visit us on facebook: Bremer-Mason Sponsored Family Dances. We are asking for a $5 donation per person or $20 per family to cover the cost of the caller and the dance hall. If money is an issue, please don’t let that stop you from coming. Bring a drink and a platter with snacks to share. To RSVP, contact Jessica Bremer at 817-367-8891 or Angel Mason at 817-715-6685. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyDances.
Azle - Lessons: Dance lessons from 7pm to 8pm at 404 Place, 404 W. Main Street, Azle, TX 76020. The cost is only $5 per lesson. Please also bring finger food and drinks to share. Hope to see many of you there. Mix of contras, line dancing and ballroom. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyDances.
Azle: Family Dances in Azle from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at 404 Place, 404 W. Main Street, Azle, TX 76020. The cost is only $5 per person. Please also bring finger food and drinks to share. RSVP to Jessica Bremer at (817) 367-8891 or jthr@thebremers.com - Web site: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyDances.
Blanco: Dance at The Old Blanco County Courthouse, U.S. 281, Blanco, Texas 78606. San Antonio Contra Dancers are sponsoring a dance at the Old Blanco County Courthouse. Time to be 8:00pm and the cost will be $9.00 for adults and $5.00 - 18 years and younger or with a student ID. Web site: None.
Blanco - Blue Barn: Barn dance and old time music at the Arnosky Farm Blue Barn. 6pm Potluck & 7pm Barn Dance. All dances will be taught & no previous experience needed). The Blue Barn is between Henley, Wimberley, and Blanco, @ 13977 RR 2325 Blanco, TX 78606. Web site: http://www.texascolor.com/texas_farmstand.html.
Bryan/College Station: Dances are held on the 1st Saturday of each month, from 7 to 10 pm, at Location: Brazos Ballroom, 501 Graham Road, College Station. Contra dance is suitable for pre-teens to seniors, age range 10 to 70+. All dances are taught. Smoke and alcohol free setting. You do not have to bring a partner. We have a caller to direct the dancers, and live music when possible. $5 donation ($3 for students), more graciously accepted. Special: FREE for first-time dancers, so bring your friends! Come promptly to get additional beginner's instruction in the first hour. Dress: casual, wear confortable shoes. For more information: call 979-846-4504, or e-mail: stan.2.swanson AT tamu DOT edu. Web site: http://www.bcscontra.org/.
Burton - Festival of Texas Fiddling - Squares: A short square dance is part of the activities at this mostly music one-day event. Web site: http://fiddlefestival.texasdancehall.org.
Carmine - La Bahia Dance Hall: Special afternoon (2pm-5pm) at the Dance Hall, TX Route 237. The hall is on the right side of the road as you go a couple miles down TX 237. Pull in and park next to the hall. Admission: $10. Web site: None.
Carrollton - Callers' Workshop: The North Texas Traditional Dance Society is sponsoring a three-day callers' workshop with Becky Hill in September 2008. Web site: http://www.nttds.org.
Carrollton - Annual Pourparler Conference: The 2011 Pourparler Conference will be held at the Plaza Theater with support from National Folk Organization, New England Dancing Masters, Country Song & Dance Society (CDSS), and Shepherdstown Music & Dance (SMAD). Pourparler is a yearly gathering of dance and music educators from North America who are dedicated to teaching folk/ethnic/world/traditional dance in schools and/or community events. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.nfo-usa.org/.
Cedar Creek: April Fool's Potluck Brunch and Contra Dance at Jenneman Meadow, 114 Meadow Way, Cedar Creek, TX. We'll brunch around 10:30 and dance noon to about 3:00. It will be open band and callers, encouraging new callers. If you are interested in trying out calling, please contact Ann (ann.jenneman@gmail.com) to participate in a workshop the week before the dance. Others who are not necessarily interested in calling may also attend the workshop in the interest of gaining a deeper understanding of the structure of contra dance. Wear your holiday appropriate clothing :-) Feel free to hang around after the dance for more music playing, hot tubbing, singing, board games, visiting, etc. We'll order pizza for anyone who is getting hungry again! Web site: None.
Corpus Christi: Dances on various Saturday from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at 901 Brawner Parkway (Unity Church). For information call Sharon Purcell at (361) 882-8375 or e-mail sharon.purcell.cctx@gmail.com. Web site: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=120610187983203.
Dallas - When In Doubt, Swing: The North Texas Traditional Dance Society hosts this contra dance weekend in April. Register in advance for the best rates. Web site: http://www.nttds.org.
Dallas: The North Texas Traditional Dance Society sponsors dances on the 3rd Saturday of the month in Dallas, unless there is a schedule change. Admission for non-members is $10.00. Members and students fees will remain the same: $7.00 and $5.00. The maximum charge is $25 for a family with members, or $30 for a family with no members. Beginners are encouraged (but not required) to come to a brief introductory lesson at 7:15 pm. The dance itself starts at 7:30pm and ends at 8:00pm. For all our dances, NO experience is needed. We walk through every dance before doing it to the music. NO partners are needed. We encourage everyone to change partners for every dance. For the latest schedule information, call our dance hotline: 972-546-8858. (NEW NUMBER; deleted old one) For more information, e-mail. Web site: http://www.nttds.org.
Dallas - Dance Planet: Annual (mid-April) weekend of dance workshops and performances in various styles including contra dancing at the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, 2501 Flora Street. Web site: http://www.thedancecouncil.org/.
Dallas - Memorial dance for Hugh Morris: Mixed Folk, Contra, and Swing Dance in memory of Hugh Harris, from 6pm to 11pm at Sokol Hall, 7448 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX, 75382. Bring your dancing shoes, a salad or dessert (let me know which), and stories about Hugh to share. The food will be catered, so a head count is needed. The budget is limited, so please only attend if you actually knew Hugh. RSVP by Aug 26 to Holly via email photo@hollykuper.com, with Subject "Hugh" (that means let Holly know you are coming, ahead of time). Web site: http://www.nttds.org.
Dallas - Memorial dance for Jimmy Boyer: NTTDS will sponsor a special Memorial Dance to commemorate the life of our friend, Jimmy Boyer, who passed away on February 6, 2013.The dance will be held at the First United Lutheran Church and will start at 5:30 p.m. with a potluck. More details will follow. Glenn Manual is coordinating the development of a photo montage. If you have photos or videos of Jimmy please send them to Glenn at gemdancer@fastem.com - Web site: http://www.nttds.org.
Dallas - 2nd Saturday - Open Band and Calling: The 2nd Saturday dances are moving to 7:30pm – 10:30pm at the First United Lutheran Church, 6202 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75214. Same open caller and open band format, but with normal admission prices. Contact Barb Smith if you want to call, or Mimi Rogers if you want to sit in with the band, or send email to info@nttds.org and it will be forwarded to them, or just show up. $10 for non-members, $7 for members, and $5 for students with ID, with maximum of $25 for a family. We welcome people of all ages to our dances, including children. Web site: http://www.nttds.org.
Decatur - Big White Barn: Contra dance at The Big White Barn, 933 County Road 4010, Decatur, Texas 76234 from 6pm to 9pm. All ages are welcome. No experience or date is required! $5/person, $20/family. Bring a drink or dessert to share! Dress is casual-modest. (That's modest like, "Please, no booty shorts." Not modest like "Wear your burka."). Web site: https://www.facebook.com/thebigwhitebarn.
Driftwood - Austin String Band Festival: The festival is held in mid-October at Camp Ben McCullough in Driftwood, just outside Austin. While it is mostly a weekend of music, there is some dancing. Web site: http://aftm.us/.
Dripping Springs - Squares: Square Dance from 3-6pm. Open jam to follow, please bring your Instuments! Location: Treaty Oak Brewing and Distilling, 16604 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620 from 3pm to 9pm. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/1289549397757522/.
East Austin - Squares: Dances at the White Horse, 500 Comal, East Austin from 7pm to 9pm. No experience needed. All dances taught. Web site: http://www.thewhitehorseaustin.com/.
Fort Worth: There are dances from 7-10 pm on 4th Saturdays at the Dance Connection Studio at 5519 S. Hulen, Fort Worth, TX 76104. Price for all dances $9. per person at the door, $7. per person for NTTDS members, $5. for college and high school students, $3. for elementary school students. No family pays more than $20. NO partners are needed. We encourage everyone to change partners for every dance. For more information contact Ellie Hayes at 817-807-3677 or weecabin17@gmail.com or Meet-up Group: www.meetup.com/Fort-Worth-Contra-Dancing/ - Web site: http://www.nttds.org.
Houston: The Houston Area Traditional Dance Society sponsors contra dances on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month at the West U Community Center, 6104 Auden St, Houston 77005, from 7:30pm to 10:30pm with an introductory session at 7:15pm. Current costs are: Members $6, non-members $10, younger than 18 free. Live music always! No partners or experience necessary! Every dance is taught and called. For more information, e-mail the board. Web site: http://www.hatds.org.
Houston - Bayou Bedlam: The Houston Area Traditional Dance Society hosts the annual Bayou Bedlam dance weekend in February. Includes contras, English, music and some singing. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.hatds.org/bayoubedlam/index.html.
Houston - Holiday Ball: The Houston Area Traditional Dance Society hosts this annual event in early December. The Ball is longer than a regular dance, starting at 7:30 and ending at 11:30. We take two breaks so that we have more time to visit. It is truly a festive event! The hall is decorated, and there is more food, more people, and more time to socialize than any dance other than Bayou Bedlam and Swamp Stomp. We encourage everyone to dress up for the Holiday Ball. "Dress up" just means wearing something nicer than you would at a regular dance, or adding a festive garnish to your outfit. Some people wear formal attire, but most do something simple. It really adds to the festive feel of the evening when a lot of people dress up! The food at the Ball is always wonderful, thanks to the many people who bring something special to share. We hope that you will be one of them this year! Web site: http://www.hatds.org/html_pages/HolidayBall.html.
Houston - Swamp Stomp: The Houston Area Traditional Dance Society sponsors this annual event which features afternoon and evening dances and a potluck dinner. Afternoon Session - 2 pm to 5 pm; Pot Luck Dinner - 5:15 pm to 7:15 pm; Evening Session - 8 pm to 11 pm. $20 for both afternoon & evening attendance $15 for either session separately. For Students (16-25 years of age): $15 for both sessions and $10 for one session. Dancers younger than 16 are free! Check the web site for the location of this event. Web site: http://www.hatds.org/html_pages/SwampStomp.html.
Houston - Mike Head's Going Away Party: A celebration of Mike's life held at the new home that he and Alice were building together. All who knew Mike are welcome to attend. Event is from 4pm to 7pm. Location: 921 Judiway, Houston 77018. Web site: http://www.hatds.org.
Houston - Workshops for Callers and Organizers: Daytime workshops before the Holiday Ball on a number of topics. Location: Knights of Columbus, 607 East Whitney Street, Houston, TX 77022 from 10am to 4:30pm. Includes lunch. See site for details. Web site: http://hatds.org/solstice-stars.html.
Houston - Squares - Memorial Drive Lutheran: Old Time Square Dance sponsored by the Houston Square and Round Dance Council Single Dancers at Memorial Drive Lutheran Church, 12211 Memorial Drive (at Gessner), Houston, TX 77024 from 7pm to 9pm. Open to all. Beginners welcome. All dances taught. $6.00. Web site: None.
Houston - Squares - Veres 50th Anniversary: Free Dance from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at the Memorial Drive Lutheran Church, 12211 Memorial Drive, 77024 to celebrate Barbara and Andy Veres' 50th anniversary. Old time square dance with live music. Bring your non-dancing friends and show them how much fun square dancing can be. All are welcome. The dance sequence is taught before each dance begins. Info: Barbara Veres, 281-450-8258, barbara.veres@gmail.com - Web site: None.
Houston - Callers and Dancers Session: A Callers and Dancers Session will be held at Chris Broad's house. This is a chance for new callers to try their hand at calling (easy dances will be provided) and for experienced callers to try something new and to get feedback from a supportive community. Dancers can help support our callers and have a fun afternoon of interesting dances. Please let Chris know if you plan to attend by emailing him at guy9bro@yahoo.com - session from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.Web site: http://www.hatds.org.
Huntsville: Dances on 4th Saturdays at Location: Huntsville Dance Connection, 912 11th Street, between Mr. Hamburger and Lindo Mexico, 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Contact: Dana Nicolay, 936-581-3657. $10. Web site: http://www.nicolaydanceworks.com/contradance.php.
Irving: The North Texas Traditional Dance Society sponsors dances on the 2nd Saturday most months, usually at the Garden and Arts Center, 906 South Senter Road, Irving, TX 75061. Admission is by donation with a tip jar for performers. The dance itself starts at 7:00pm and ends at 10:00pm. Many evenings there is a waltz jam from 6:15pm to 7:00pm. For all our dances, NO experience is needed. We walk through every dance before doing it to the music. NO partners are needed. We encourage everyone to change partners for every dance. For the latest schedule information, call our dance hotline: 972-546-8858. For more information, e-mail. Web site: http://www.nttds.org.
Irving - University of Dallas: Some students at the University of Dallas who visited the regular NTTDS dance in Irving are starting a contra dance on the University of Dallas campus. The dance is FREE, but they might have a Tip Jar for the Band and Caller. We would love to help and support them. University of Dallas is located at 1845 East Northgate Drive in Irving (Hwy 114 at Tom Braniff Drive). The dance will be held in Haggar University Center, near the Tower. Web site: http://www.nttds.org.
Irving - South Irving Library: Whirled Tour--Dance Around the World at Your Library from 3:00-5:00pm at the South Irving Library - Meeting Room 1, 601 Schulze Dr, Irving, TX 75060. Introduction to American Traditional Dance. Ages 12 and up. No charge for this event. Web site: None.
Kennard - Old Mill Festival: Join us in the heart of the Davy Crockett National Forest for the first annual Old Mill Music Festival. Come and see some of the best in the business at this all acoustic two day event. Includes square dancing. Held in early November. Web site: http://www.oldmillmusicfestival.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Home/Old-Mill-Music-Festival-379832028695551/.
Kerrville - Squares: As part of the Easter Hill Country Tour, we are delighted to be able to offer a traditional square dance after the dinner at the Y.O. Ranch Hotel (2033 Sidney Baker, Kerrville, Texas 78028, (830-257-4440). We expect the dance to be 7:30 - 10:30 pm and the on-site cost (dance only) is $10. More details here www.facebook.com/AustinDare2Square. Web site: http://www.ehct.com/squaredance.php.
Lubbock - Gatsby's Coffeehouse: Dance at Gatsby's Coffeehouse (2610 Salem Ave), Lubbock, Texas 79410 from 7pm to 9pm sponsored by the Roots Music Institute, the TTU Vernacular Music Center, and the Hub City Folk Arts Association. Free and fun social dancing, all ages and levels of experience welcome. Web site: None.
Lubbock - Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts: As part of a First Friday event, the Center's activities include a contra dance at Reagor Dykes Stage on the LHUCA Plaza from 7:30pm-8:30pm with Hub City Contra. Location: Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (LHUCA), 511 Ave. K Lubbock, TX 79401. Web site: http://lhuca.org.
Lubbock - Hub City Contra: Hub City Contra and LHUCA invite all for our monthly social dance! Beginning with a Beginners Crash Course at 6:30pm, listen to live music, meet new people, and dance the figures. $5 suggested donation. Family and beginner-friendly! Location: 511 Avenue J, Lubbock, TX 79401-1803 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/hubcitycontra/.
McKinney: The North Texas Traditional Dance Society holds a dance at the Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place in McKinney. Web site: http://www.nttds.org.
McKinney - Arts in Bloom: Street dance on Sunday from 2pm to 3pm as part of this weekend festival celebrating the arts and wine. Web site: https://www.mckinneytexas.org/687/Arts-in-Bloom.
Nacogdoches: Millard's Crossing Candlelight Christmas Contra Dance is part of a series of events in early December. Web site: http://www.millardscrossing.org/old-fashioned-christmas.html.
Plano - Parks and Recreation: Set of contra dance classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm to 5pm at the Oak Point Recreation Center. Fee for this set of classes is $15. Web site: http://www.planoparks.org/.
Richardson - Waltz: New waltz series. Lori Hayner is organizing a 2-month Waltz Series to be held Wednesday nights at W.W. Fairfields in Richardson, NW corner of Beltline & Plano Road, next to Albertsons. Classes go from Basics to Patterns. The series begins January 5th and will run from 7:00pm to 8:30 pm. Classes are $15 and will include a drink ticket. Contact: Lorihayner@sbcglobal.net Web site: None.
Richardson - National Accordion Convention: One of the events at the Convention is a dance party with contra dances, polkas, zydeco, etc. Admission $10. Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel, 701 East Campbell Road, Richardson, TX. Web site: http://www.accordions.com/naa/.
San Antonio: The San Antonio Contra Dancers sponsor dances on 2nd Saturdays at the International Folk Culture Center, 411 SW 24th St. S.A. 78207. Live music is played at every dance. Admission is $6.00 per person. All dances are smoke and alcohol free. Bring snacks if you can! Introductory walk-through is at 6:45 pm and the dance is 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Web site: https://www.satxcontra.org/.
San Antonio - The DoCeum: Free dance from 1pm to 4pm at The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway St, San Antonio, Texas 78209. FREE dance featuring live Traditional Music! No partner necessary--all dances will be taught. Sponsored by the City of San Antonio Department of Culture and Creative Development, the Bejar Historical Society and the San Antonio Contra Dancers! Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/1022776294435729/.
San Antonio - NFO Pourparler Conference: The 2017 Pourparler Conference will be held in early November. Pourparler is a yearly gathering of dance and music educators from North America who are dedicated to teaching folk/ethnic/world/traditional dance in schools and/or community events. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.nfo-usa.org/.
San Antonio - Tricentennial Barn Dance: Event at the Land Heritage Institute, 1349 Neal Rd, San Antonio, TX 78264 from 1pm to 4pm. The Land Heritage Institute offers a "pioneer" atmosphere for an authentic Barn Dance! We'll dance on the porch of the Equestrian Center, to live music. Every dance will be taught and you don't need to bring a partner. Weather permitting, we'll have hay rides to go see the original farm house on the land. The porch is long, and protected from the elements, so we'll dance regardless of the weather. The Equestrian Center has a modern kitchen and bathrooms and plenty of parking. Free. Web site: https://ollufolkculturecenter.com/.
Irving - Family Contra Dance: There will be a family contra dance benefiting the St. Anthony's Academy Location Fund from 6pm to 9pm at St Basil the Great Catholic Church Parish Hall, 1118 E Union Bower Rd, Irving, TX 75061. No prior experience necessary. Web site: http://www.sainanthonysacademy.com.
Richardson - Contra Corners: Dancea at the UTD Galaxy Rooms, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, Texas 75080 from 7pm to 10:30pm. Traditional contra dancing accompanied by live music and a caller that announces the steps of each dance. Refreshments and seating between dances will be provided. Entry is totally free, and no prior dancing experience is required. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/utdcontracorners/.
San Marcos - 4th Sunday: Dance at the United Campus Ministry Wesley Bldg, 510 N. Guadalupe Street, San Marcos, TX 78666-5712. Unless otherwise noted on their website (Times and dates may change please do check website to confirm), events are 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Regular admission $10; student admission $5; TAADA members, $9. No partner necessary!! Beginners welcome!. Info: smcdtx@gmail.com - Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/smcdtx/.
San Marcos - New Year's Eve: Dance at the United Campus Ministry Wesley Building, 510 N Guadalupe, San Marcos, TX 78666. Event from 5:30pm to 10:00pm including a potluck and dance. Cost: $10 Adults; $9 TAADA Members; $5 Students. Please check the website to confirm. Web site: https://sites.google.com/site/smcdtx/.
This page is part of the Contrdancelinks.com web site. For more information about contra dancing, visit these other site pages:
*The Colorado link will bring you to Dancing on the Web. The Iowa link will bring you to the Central Iowa Barn Dance Association. The Maine link will bring you to the Downeast Friends of the Folk Arts. The New Mexico link will bring you to the New Mexico Folk Music and Dance Society. The Utah link will bring you to Utah Contradance Information. These fine organizations and individuals already have complete listings for these states and there is no reason for me to duplicate their efforts.
**As far as I know, there are no regular dances or events in Mississippi, South Dakota or Wyoming, but I have created pages if something changes in the future.