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Houston Area Traditional Dance Society

Houston Area Traditional Dance Society

Welcome to HATDS!

The Houston Area Traditional Dance Society is an all-volunteer organization that sponsors contra dancing and English Country dancing in Houston, Texas.

At the dance

Become a Member!

HATDS is in its annual membership drive. Tap this link to learn about HATDS membership and why you may want to join. Or click the button below to go directly to the online membership form.

Memberships not renewed in August expire September 1.

You must join online. We can not accept memberships at the dances. If you have not joined when you arrive for a dance, you will be asked to either step outside and join on your phone or to pay the general admission price.

Contra Dances

Contra dances are held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of most months. Check our schedule page or sign up for email reminders to stay current. Updates will also be posted to our Facebook group.

Specifics about each dance are posted on our Google calendar.

Become a member to receive a $5 discount at every regular contra dance.

Volunteer!

HATDS members, please volunteer to be a door manager or hall manager at a contra dance. Sign up on our SignUp Genius page.

Upcoming Festivals

Fire Ant FrolicAustin's Fire Ant Frolic is November 17-19. See the Fire Ant Frolic website for details.

Bayou BedlamHouston's Bayou Bedlam is February 9-11, 2024. Details will be posted on the Bayou Bedlam website.

English Country Dancing

HATDS English dances are on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays with the occasional exception. For details, see our ECD page and/or subscribe to the HATDS ECD mailing list.

Dance Location and Policies

All regular dances are open to the public and are currently held at Dauntless Dance & Movement, 3221 Houston Ave, 77009.

Masks are welcomed but not required.

Please do not attend our dances smelling of alcohol, smoke, or fragrances .

To protect the floor and keep the space clean:

  • Dauntless requires that we protect their wood floor by wearing clean, low-heel shoes that will not scuff or damage the floor. Please do not wear street shoes on the dance floor. Bring clean shoes to dance in or dance in stocking feet.
  • You may bring water in closed containers—there's no water fountain. No other beverages are allowed.
  • You may bring snacks but they must be consumed outside.

The admission price for contra dances is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. ECD is $10 for members and non-members alike.

Cash, checks, credit cards, and digital wallets are currently accepted at the door. If paying cash, please bring correct change. No large bills accepted.

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