Contradancing in Austin originated when AFTM (Austin Friends of Traditional Music) started a jam session at Hancock Recreation Center (click here for map) over 20 years ago. Somebody (the name was lost in time) said "Hey, this is a good dance floor so let's dance!" and thus the dancing started. The dancing went through several variations and around 1990 became predominately contradance.
To this day the Wednesday night dance at HRC is still a community dance with an average of 50-60 dancers and and occasional 75 dancing to the music of LOCO (Local On-Call Orchestra) - an open band of 3-10 members with many excellent musicians, where anyone is welcome to come and play. For the dancers, a donation is requested, but not mandatory and the callers can call whatever their heart's desire, whether it be contras, squares, circles, or whatever.
The Austin Barn Dancers meet every Wednesday night at Hancock Recreation Center from 7:30 until 9:45. Suggested donation is $3 for the recreation center.
Contact Dale Rempert at 512/453-4225, drempert@ix.netcom.com
Please help us make Wednesday night better by filling out our Survey Form. (Note: This form is undergoing revision. You may want to revisit it occasionally.)
Wednesday Night Calling Schedule
Dance in the Park Picture Index
Dances by Texas Choreographers
Contra/English Country Dancing in Austin
Country Dance and Song Society
