Almost 20 Years of Impact

Saving Texas Dance Halls, One Two-Step at a Time

Since 2007, Texas Dance Hall Preservation (TDHP) has worked to ensure that the music, movement and memories born in Texas dance halls continue to echo across generations. These beloved community landmarks—where families, friends and strangers gather to share in the rhythm of Texas life—remain the heartbeat of our culture. Download a printable impact statement here »

by the Numbers

18 Years

supporting historic Texas dance halls

40+ Halls

directly assisted across the state

$380K+

distributed in preservation grants and relief funds

400+ Halls

documented through mapping and research

10+ Major Dances & Tours

held statewide with artists including Asleep at the Wheel, Dale Watson, the Rocky King Band, the Ennis Czech Boys, and more

Testimonials

“We received our check, and as previously stated, it is a God send. Thanks again to all of you guys for your effort & support.”
— Sam Morris, Moravian Hall

“I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Texas Dance Hall Preservation for their generous grant to help us complete our electrical upgrade! Your support keeps the music playing and the lights shining for generations to come.”
— Paul Struck, President, Twin Sisters Dance Hall

“We can’t thank you enough for the support and visibility you are giving us. Your support gives us credibility with not only people in the local area but also former residents who now live far away and sometime come through Melvin.”
— Manuel Piña, Junta Patriotica Board Vice President

Investing in Preservation

Preservation Grant Program launched 2015; ongoing funding for critical repairs

Dance Hall Relief Fund raised $265,809 for 32 halls

Supported reopening of Hye Hall (dormant 60 years) as a result of our Mothball/Stabilization Toolkit begun in 2017.

Education & Awareness

Presented and participated in symposiums, national conferences and workshops on architecture, polka and more.

Co-founded the Festival of Texas Fiddling (2014–2015) with Texas Folklife

Produced KLRN-TV interview series hosted by Ray Benson
(Asleep at the Wheel)

Created traveling photo exhibit displayed at Dallas Love Field, Austin-Bergstrom Airport and other locations

Research & Documentation

Partnership with UTSA Center for Cultural Sustainability (2022–present) to map Texas dance halls and create an interactive map for public use

Identified 300 dance halls in the Hurricane Harvey (2017) disaster area and developed a toolkit for disaster preparedness, resilience and recovery

Expanded research beyond central Texas to include 195 Tejano dance halls across the state

Recognition & Leadership

Recipient of the 2022 Texas Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation

Partnered with Texas Music Office & Texas Historical Commission on statewide music heritage tourism

Legacy

18 Years of Music, Memory and Community

Each hall restored, each dance held, each story shared — keeping Texas dancing, one two-step at a time.