Houston Swing Dance Society became incorporated on March 18, 1997, as a 501c3 non-profit educational organization. HSDS staged its first event, the Frankie Manning Workshop, that year. In 1999, the event was renamed Lindyfest, which has grown into an annual festival with classes, competitions, and social dancing. It has been supported by grants from the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County and the Houston Arts Alliance since 2004.
Also in 1997, some members of the Houston Swing Dance Society began performing as the "Houston Hepcats." A year later, HSDS added the Harvest Moon Ball to their schedule of annual events. In 2006, HSDS established an international swing dance archive to document the emergence and influence of Lindy Hop during the Swing Era, and to chronicle the resurgence of Swing Dance in popular American culture.
In order to educate people of all ages, HSDS continues to expand its offerings of classes, workshops, and dance events. HSDS continues to host classes on Sunday nights for every level of participant, from the uninitiated to the advanced.
Houston Swing Dance Society continues to strive toward raising public awareness and participation in an energetic joyful part of American historical culture to make Houston a richer place because of it.
Our Mission Statement
The mission of the Houston Swing Dance Society is to promote the music and social dances from the swing era to individuals of all ages, ethnicities, races, cultures, genders, and orientations.
Our goal is to establish a "living tradition" within our community, supporting the resurgence of Lindy hop, the African-American social dance that originated in Harlem ballrooms during the late 1920s.
HSDS is committed to fostering a diverse and dynamic community for all through high-quality programming and affordable pricing.
Since 2015, Alesandra Bull has overseen all of our local Houston Swing Dance Society operations. She has also served as the head coordinator for workshops, weekly classes and social dances, special events, and as the event director for the Great Southwest Lindyfest since 2022.
Locally in Houston, Alesandra works alongside a team of volunteers who serve as our local teachers, DJs, and front desk volunteers.
More info on fellow coordinators coming soon!