The Houston Area Traditional Dance Society is an all-volunteer organization that sponsors contra dancing and English Country dancing in Houston, Texas.
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.
Houston'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.
Donations Accepted
HATDS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations to HATDS are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
We use PayPal as our payment gateway but you don't need an account, just a credit card.
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Austin's Fire Ant Frolic is November 17-19. See the Fire Ant Frolic website for details.
Houston's Bayou Bedlam is February 9-11, 2024. Details will be posted on the Bayou Bedlam website.