North Texas Traditional Dance Society

- 2155 Marsh Ln, Carrollton, TX 75006

Step into a world of rhythm, community, and tradition right here in the heart of North Texas with the North Texas Traditional Dance Society (NTTDS). This non-profit educational organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history and joy of American and English folk dancing. If you've ever found yourself tapping your foot to a lively folk tune or have fond memories of dancing the "Virginia Reel" in school, you're already one step closer to discovering the magic of a community contra dance. Located in Carrollton, NTTDS provides a friendly, welcoming, and vibrant space for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the fun and social connection of traditional dance.

What makes NTTDS so special is its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. You don't need a partner, you don't need any prior dance experience, and you don't even need to be a member to join the fun. Every dance is taught and "cued" by an experienced caller, guiding everyone through the steps from start to finish. This makes it an ideal activity for singles, couples, and groups alike. The atmosphere is consistently described as welcoming and non-judgmental, fostering a sense of community where everyone feels comfortable and happy to participate. The dances are accompanied by live, energetic music, adding to the authentic and uplifting experience. NTTDS is more than just a dance class; it's a living tradition and a social event all rolled into one.

The North Texas Traditional Dance Society holds many of its popular community dances at a convenient location in Carrollton, Texas. The primary address is 2155 Marsh Ln, Carrollton, TX 75006, USA. This central location in the metroplex makes it easy for folk dance enthusiasts from Dallas, Plano, Frisco, and beyond to attend. The organization understands the importance of providing a welcoming space for everyone. The venue features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can easily join in the festivities. This thoughtful amenity underscores NTTDS's mission to be a truly open and inclusive community. Whether you're a long-time resident of Carrollton or visiting from another part of North Texas, the location is easy to find, and the focus on accessibility ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience from the moment you arrive.

The North Texas Traditional Dance Society offers a range of services centered around making traditional folk dance accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Their model focuses on communal dancing and workshops rather than a typical multi-week class format, which makes it easy for newcomers to drop in and start dancing immediately.

• American and English Folk Dancing: The core of their offering, these public dances are held regularly and feature two primary styles: Contra dance and English Country dance. At just $10.00 for admission, these events are affordable and open to all.
• Folk or Barn Dancing: A casual and fun term for their style of dance, emphasizing the relaxed and social atmosphere of the events.
• Choreography Classes: While the dances are taught on-site, these classes likely provide a deeper dive into specific choreography and skills for those looking to expand their knowledge.
• Dance Workshops and Training: In addition to their regular dances, NTTDS hosts workshops and special training events, sometimes featuring nationally recognized callers and musicians.
• Dance Camps: The organization also sponsors larger dance events, such as weekend dance camps, which draw participants from across the state and beyond, offering an immersive experience.
• Live Music: A key feature of their events is the presence of live folk bands, providing an authentic and energetic backdrop for the dancing.

The North Texas Traditional Dance Society is distinguished by its unique set of features that create an exceptional and inclusive experience for all who attend.

• Welcoming to All: NTTDS is explicitly an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space. The community is known for its welcoming nature and makes a point to encourage new people, singles, and beginners to join without hesitation. This creates an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.
• No Partner Needed: This is a significant highlight, as the dances are designed for people to change partners frequently. As one review notes, "everyone dances with everyone else," making it a perfect place for single people to meet new friends and enjoy a social activity without the pressure of finding a partner beforehand.
• Live Music: The dances are brought to life with live music from talented folk bands. This elevates the experience, making it more vibrant and authentic than dancing to recorded music. The live bands are often praised for their energetic performances.
• Beginner-Friendly: A major feature is that every dance is taught from scratch, with a caller walking everyone through the moves before the music starts and continuing to cue throughout the dance. This ensures that even those with absolutely no prior experience can join in the fun from their very first visit.
• Non-Profit and Community-Focused: As a non-profit educational organization, NTTDS is dedicated to its mission of preserving and promoting folk dance. This focus on heritage and community, rather than profit, is evident in the low admission prices and the overall warm, communal spirit of the events.

To learn more about upcoming dances or to ask any questions, you can reach out to the North Texas Traditional Dance Society.

• Address: 2155 Marsh Ln, Carrollton, TX 75006, USA
• Phone: (972) 546-8858

For anyone in the Dallas-Fort Worth area seeking a unique, healthy, and genuinely social activity, the North Texas Traditional Dance Society is an unparalleled choice. It stands out in the local dance scene by offering a form of dance that is both physically engaging and deeply communal, all without the need for a partner or prior experience. The fact that the dances are held in air-conditioned spaces is a welcome bonus for Texans looking to get some exercise without battling the heat. As a non-profit organization, their mission-driven approach to preserving American and English folk dancing is admirable and means the focus is always on the quality of the experience and the strength of the community, not on the bottom line. This is a rare find in today's world.

The reviews from attendees consistently highlight the welcoming nature of the group, describing it as a "great place for single people" and praising the instructors for their ability to make everyone feel comfortable. This atmosphere of acceptance, combined with the energetic live music and the joy of learning a new skill, makes every dance a memorable event. It's a place where you can get some great exercise, meet new people, and become a part of a living tradition. If you’re a Texan looking for a fun and healthy way to connect with others and discover a new passion, the North Texas Traditional Dance Society is an experience that is truly worth choosing.

North Texas Traditional Dance Society

2155 Marsh Ln, Carrollton, TX 75006, USA