Located in Harrison County on the Texas-Louisiana border, Waskom is a small railroad town of about 1,500 people. While dedicated folk dance studios are scarce within city limits, dancers here are far from out of luck. The surrounding East Texas region and nearby Shreveport-Bossier metro offer accessible opportunities to learn, practice, and celebrate folk dance traditions. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first steps or an experienced dancer seeking community, here's where to look.
Start Local: Waskom Community Resources
Your first stop should be the Waskom Community Center and Waskom Public Library. Small-town community centers in this part of Texas occasionally host multi-purpose fitness, line dancing, or cultural heritage nights that include folk dance elements. The library may also know of informal gatherings or be able to connect you with regional event calendars.
Tips for finding local opportunities:
- Call the Waskom City Hall at (903) 687-2581 for referrals to active community programs.
- Check bulletin boards at the Waskom Public Library and local churches—many grassroots dance gatherings are organized by word of mouth.
- Join the Waskom Community Facebook group, where residents often post about upcoming events in town and nearby.
Expand Your Search: Marshall and Longview, Texas
Just 20–30 minutes west of Waskom, the larger cities of Marshall and Longview significantly expand your options.
Marshall, TX
- East Texas Baptist University and Wiley College occasionally host international or cultural heritage events with folk dance performances and beginner workshops. Check their public event calendars each semester.
- The Marshall Convention & Visitors Bureau maintains listings for regional festivals, including heritage celebrations that may feature folk dance.
Longview, TX
- Longview Community Center and LeTourneau University offer recreational dance programming that sometimes includes country-western, square dancing, and international folk dance courses.
- The Gregg County Historical Museum hosts heritage events where traditional dance demonstrations occur.
Cross the Border: Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana
Only 30 minutes east of Waskom, the Shreveport-Bossier metro area (population ~440,000) is your most reliable source for structured folk dance instruction.
Shreveport Folk Dance Society
This long-running group meets regularly for international folk dance sessions, welcoming all skill levels. Dancers gather to learn Balkan, Israeli, Scandinavian, and other traditional dances in a social, non-competitive atmosphere. Check their Facebook page or contact them through the Society for International Folk Dance regional directory for current meeting times and locations.
Local Studios and Cultural Organizations
- Shreveport Regional Arts Council occasionally sponsors world music and dance workshops.
- Centenary College of Louisiana and Louisiana State University Shreveport host multicultural events open to the public.
- Several independent studios in Shreveport offer private coaching in specific folk traditions—search for instructors specializing in Irish step dance, clogging, or contra dance.
Festivals and Annual Events
While Waskom itself does not host a dedicated folk dance festival, the broader region offers several worth the drive:
| Festival | Location | Typical Timing | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Folklife Festival | San Antonio, TX | June | Massive celebration of Texas cultural heritage with continuous folk dance performances and participatory workshops |
| East Texas Yamboree | Gilmer, TX | October | County fair atmosphere with square dancing and heritage demonstrations |
| Holiday in Dixie | Shreveport, LA | April | Regional festival with multicultural performances, occasionally including folk dance showcases |
| Natchitoches Folk Festival | Natchitoches, LA | July | Strong emphasis on Louisiana traditional music and dance, including Cajun and zydeco |
Online Resources for Self-Guided Learning
If travel is difficult or you prefer to practice at home, several reputable platforms can help you build skills and connect with the global folk dance community:
- Society for International Folk Dance (SIFD) — Directory of local groups, instructional videos, and a quarterly magazine.
- Folk Dance Federation of California — Extensive video library and dance notes accessible to non-members.
- YouTube channels such as Steve Kotansky and Yves Moreau offer expert instruction in Balkan and international folk dance.
- Facebook groups like "International Folk Dance" and "Contra Dance" provide forums for asking questions, finding event listings, and connecting with dancers nationwide.
