FAQs

What is HATDS?
Do you have to be a member to go to the dances?
How much does it cost to attend a dance?
Who can join HATDS?
How much does it cost to join?
Is there someone I can contact for more information?
How do I get added to the email Notification List?
Interested in reading our bylaws?

What is HATDS?
HATDS is the Houston Area Traditional Dance Society. Our mission is to promote contra dancing in the Houston area.

Do you have to be a member to go to the dances?
No, you don't, but the cost of the dances is lower for members.

How much does it cost to attend a dance?
Current costs are:
free - under 12 years of age!
$3 for students
$6 for members
$8 for non-members

Who can join HATDS?
Anyone with an interest in contra dancing.

How much does it cost to join?
Annual dues are $20 for an individual membership and $30 for a family. See our Membership Page for an application and details.

Is there someone I can contact for more information?
Yes! Send your questions to board@hatds.org.

How do I get added to the email Notification List?
Easy! Just go to this page and sign up.

Interested in reading our bylaws?
If you'd like to see the HATDS Bylaws: Click here to read an HTML version. OR Click here for a PDF.

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Questions about Contra Dancing
What does Contra Dancing look like?
Is contra dancing difficult?
What if I make mistakes?
Where can I learn to contra dance?
What are the ages of those who attend your dances?
Do I have to bring a partner?
How should I dress?
Where can I find out more about contra dancing?
Where else can I dance?

What does Contra Dancing look like?
There are several videos posted on the Internet. Here are three good ones on Google Video (opens in a new window/tab):
40 seconds
80 seconds
19 minutes

Is contra dancing difficult?
No, it isn't. There only about 20 basic moves; most of those can be learned in one evening. The basic step is a smooth walking step done to the phrase of the music.

What if I make mistakes?
Don't worry about making mistakes. One of the wonderful things about contra dancing is the willingness of the more experienced dancers to teach those who are new to the experience.

Where can I learn to contra dance?
You can learn at the dance. Each dance is taught and called.

What are the ages of those who attend your dances?
Contra dancers come in all ages, from the very young to those who are not so young!

Do I have to bring a partner?
No, you don't have to bring a partner. If you do bring a partner, be ready to dance with others. It's a contra dance tradition to be sociable and dance with different partners throughout the evening. That's also a good way for you to learn from those with more contra dance experience.

How should I dress?
Dress comfortably. Contra dancing requires movement, so wear comfortable soft-soled shoes and clothes that are not too restrictive.

I still want to know more!
The best way is to attend a dance, but there are several good descriptions on the Internet including Greg Rohde's wonderful personal story and description, Gary Shapiro's contra page and the Wikipedia contra dance article.

Where else can I dance?

Austin
Austin Contra Dances

College Station/Bryan
2nd Saturday Afternoon Dances

Dallas
North Texas Traditional Dance Society

San Antonio
San Antonio Contra Dancers

See Ted Crane's National Dance Database for regular dances held in other parts of the country.

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Live music always!
No partners or experience necessary!
Every dance is taught and called.

See ya' dancing!

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