HATDS - Contra Dance in Houston, TX

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About HATDS

Incorporated in 1990, the Houston Area Traditional Dance Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to organizing and promoting contra dance and other forms of traditional American dance in the Houston, Texas metroplex.

HATDS sponsors contra dances on the second and fourth Saturdays of most months, a double dance in September (Swamp Stomp), a Holiday Ball in December, and a dance weekend featuring nationally-acclaimed talent in February (Bayou Bedlam). All dances are open to the public. We charge an admission price so that we can pay the hall rent and give a token amount to the musicians and callers who make our dances possible; otherwise the dances would be free.

HATDS also supports the English Country dances in the Houston area.

As with most if not all contra dance groups, HATDS is a volunteer organization. Everyone who keeps HATDS going is a volunteer, from the five people who serve on the board of directors to the person greeting dancers at the door to the people who help put up the sound equipment at the end of a dance.

HATDS is also a membership organization. Membership dues support the administration of HATDS, such as the web site hosting costs, purchasing of supplies needed at the dances, and mailings of the newsletter. Members receive a discount at regular dances and at Bayou Bedlam. Members also receive our newsletter, have voting privileges, and may serve on our board of directors. Go to the membership page to read more about joining HATDS.

Because HATDS is a non-profit organization, any donations given to HATDS above the cost of membership dues and dance admission may be tax-deductible. We are glad to give you a receipt for tax purposes for your donation.

A Short History

Contra dancing was first brought to Houston in the 1970s by Dorcas Hand and Barry Cooper. Dances were held in whatever space they could find, including driveways!

The dance series that eventually became HATDS was started by Mike Head in 1986 at the Heights Woman's Club building. Barry Cooper's band, Resurrection Avenue String Band, played for the early dances and Mike Head, Keith Holmes, and Liz Benjamin shared the calling duties.

It wasn't long before the series outgrew the small Woman's Club building and moved to a larger venue. About that time Mike turned over the many producer's chores to a group of eager volunteers. That group, known simply as "The Committee", eventually decided that incorporation and non-profit status had some real advantages, and began the process that led to the founding of HATDS.

Current Officers

*Member of the 2008-2009 Board of Directors.

Bylaws

The HATDS Bylaws are online here.