This page tries to keep track of all contra dances in Texas including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Texas which include contra dancing. 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.
Austin - Wednesday: The Austin Barn Dance is each Wednesday at the Hancock Recreation Center, 811 East 41st Street from 7:30pm - 9:45pm, $3 donation requested, 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 - 1st Friday: The Austin Friends of Traditional Music sponsors dances on the 1st Friday of each month at Carpenter's Hall, 400 Josephine St. There is live music at every dance, and refreshments at the break. The newcommers' session is from 7:30pm-8:00pm, with the regular dance from 8:00pm-11:00pm. All dances are called, and taught as needed. Everyone is friendly, and happy to help people learn the dance moves. If you can walk, you can learn the dance moves, and have lots of fun! If you want to bring anything for refreshments at the break, please feel free to do so! We supply at least a party cake for the month's birthday and anniversay people, as well as water and lemonade. The cost is $8, with discounts for AFTM members and newcomers. Contact: Nana Lopez, (512) 970-4919, e-mail sealantsby5@aol.com. Web site: http://aftm.us/ffc/.
Austin - 3rd Saturday: The Austin Third Saturday Contra Dance is held at St. Paul Lutheran Church 3501 Red River. The dance begins at 7:30 pm with a walk-through of the basic moves, and continues until 11:00pm. Please note that this is a fragrance-free dance. Regular admission $8, AFTM members $7, Students $5. For more information call Chuck Roth at (512) 453-8936 or e-mail. Web site: http://www.austincontradance.org/3s.html.
Austin - Dance in the Park: The Dance in the Park is an annual event in late March at Zilker Hillside Theatre from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Experience Contra dancing in the great outdoors. Dance to live music on one fantastic wood floor. Or, just sit, watch and listen to some great live music. Arrive early and have a picnic with your family and friends. Bring your own drinks, snacks and chairs or quilts. No partner needed - Contra is one of the most social dance forms known to mankind. No dance experience necessary - Our skillful callers will teach you all you need to know. Free admission - however a donation for the bands will be greatly appreciated. There is a $3 fee for parking. For more information, call Dale Rempert, (512) 453-4225, or e-mail drempert@ix.netcom.com. Web site: http://austinbarndancers.org/.
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 is a dance weekend held in late October/early November. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.fireantfrolic.com/.
Austin - Special Dance: A special dance on a special night. See web site for details. Web site: http://www.austincontradance.org/3s.html.
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/.
Bryan/College Station: dances are held on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Unitarian Church, 305 Wellborn Road (FM 2154), College Station, from 7pm to 10pm. Contra dance is suitable for pre-teens to seniors, age range 10 to 70+. If you can walk and follow directions, you can contra dance. All dances are taught. It is aerobic exercise to music, in a smoke and alcohol free setting. You do not have to bring a partner. Contra dance comes from the same English country dance tradition that modern square dancing does. It shares many of the basic dance patterns. 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. Our local band, Jalapeno Honey, plays relatively frequently. Resident caller (when we can't get outstanding visiting talent): Lorraine Puckhaber from Bryan. We are in the process of training some new callers -- if you are interested, please contact us. For more information: call 979-846-4504, or e-mail stan AT sbigraf DOT tamu DOT edu. Web site: http://www.bcscontra.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: The North Texas Traditional Dance Society sponsors dances on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Plaza Arts Center, 1115 4th Avenue and on the 3rd Saturday of each month at the First United Lutheran Church, 6202 Mockingbird Lane. Admission is $8 non-members, $6 members, $2 for students with ID. Maximum charge for a family is 2 adults and 2 children (worth it just for the music). The hall has a wonderful soft sprung wood floor, and the dances use live music. Beginners are encouraged (but not required) to come to a brief introductory lesson at 7:45 pm. The dance itself starts at 8:00pm and ends at 11:00pm. 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: 214-357-8213. For more information, e-mail. Web site: http://www.nttds.org.
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.
Corpus Christi: Dances on various Saturday from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at 901 Brawner Parkway (Unity Church). For information call (361) 882-8375 or e-mail sharon.purcell.cctx@gmail.com. Web site: None.
Dallas - When In Doubt, Swing: The North Texas Traditional Dance Society hosts this contra dance weekend in early 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 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays of each month with some of the dances at the Sons of Hermann Hall at the corner of Elm Street and Exposition Street. Admission is $6 for members, $8 for non-members, and $4 for children 12 and under and students with ID (worth it just for the music). Beginners are encouraged (but not required) to come to a brief introductory lesson at 7:45 pm. The dance itself starts at 8:00pm and ends at 11:00pm. 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: 214-357-8213. For more information, e-mail. Web site: http://www.nttds.org.
Dallas - Scandinavian Workshop: Special workshop the day before When In Doubt, Swing with The Moving Violations from 7:30 - 10 pm at the First United Lutheran Church, 6202 Mockingbird Lane, (about 8 blocks east of Central Expressway). Prices: If already registered for When In Doubt Swing: $5. If NOT already registered for When In Doubt Swing: Thursday evening only: $10; Thursday evening and WIDS Saturday morning: $20. Web site: None.
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/.
Houston: The Houston Area Traditional Dance Society sponsors contra dances on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd. from 8:00pm to 11:0pm with an introductory session at 7:30pm. Current costs are: free - under 12 years of age! $3 for students; $6 for members; $8 for non-members. 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 - Intermediate Contra, English, Squares: The Houston Area Traditional Dance Society is sponsoring an evening of intermediate contra dances, English country and squares for dancers who already know the basics. The dance will be held at Oxford Hall, 1135 Oxford in the Houston Heights from 7:30pm to 9:45pm. Cost is $5. For more information, e-mail Joseph Pimental. 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.
Irving: The North Texas Traditional Dance Society sponsors dances on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Senter East Building, 228 Chamberlain Street. Admission is $6 for members, $8 for non-members, Children 12 and under = half price ($3 for members, $4 for non-members). Admission for students with ID (any age) is just $2. Admission for families is capped at 2 adults and 2 children: (worth it just for the music). The hall has a wonderful soft sprung wood floor, and the dances use live music. A pot luck dinner before each dance, starting at 6 pm. The dance itself starts at 7:00pm (?) and ends at 10:00pm. 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: 214-357-8213. For more information, e-mail. Web site: http://www.nttds.org.
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.
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.
San Antonio: The San Antonio Contra Dancers sponsor dances on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month at the International Folk Culture Center, and it is on the campus of Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 SW 24th St. Live music is played at every dance. Admission is $6.00 per person. All dances are smoke and alcohol free. Beginner's Session starts at 7:00pm. Come early for some basic instruction. Regular dance is 7:30pm-10:30pm. (During the summer, dancing goes from 8:00pm to 10:00pm). Web site: http://www.sacontradancers.org.
San Antonio - 25th Anniversary: The San Antonio Contra Dancers sponsor a three-day weekend of dances at the International Folk Culture Center, on the campus of Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 SW 24th St. Catered dinner on Saturday (advance registration required). All dances are smoke and alcohol free. Web site: http://www.sacontradancers.org.
San Antonio - Contra Dance Weekend: The San Antonio Contra Dancers sponsor a three-day weekend of dances at the International Folk Culture Center, on the campus of Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 SW 24th St. All dances are smoke and alcohol free. Includes a session of Scottish social dancing on Sunday afternoon. Web site: http://www.sacontradancers.org.
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