Dance Hall Day

Texas dance halls were once as common as cattle, with each small community boasting at least one. Now, the legendary structures have thinned and a small group of dedicated individuals take care to insure that not one more is lost to history.

Enter Steve Dean.

Dean could quite possible by known as the “Dean of the Texas Dance Halls,” if not their patron saint. He died earlier this year, but not after participating and starring in the new documentary film “Dance Hall Days.”

Enthusiasts will be able to take a peek into many of these halls this Sunday, Dec. 9 as the film screens at Wied Hall, located just east of Shiner on Hwy. 90A. Showtime is 2 p.m. and admission is $10. Half of the days proceeds will go directly to Wied Hall for its continued maintenance and operation.

That hall holds a special moment of importance in the film, as it is the featured backdrop during the November 2015 reunion dance with 80s cover band Kross Kountry, who also share their stories of playing for their fans back in the day.

In the film, Dean takes a lucky group of travelers on a tour of some of his favorite halls, while also allowing the viewer along for the ride. They visit places such as Cat Spring Agricultural Society Hall, Schneider Hall, and Sengelmann Hall, with side trips out to Tom Sefcik Hall, Schroeder Hall, Twin Sisters Dance Hall, Anhalt Germania Farmers Verein Hall, and more. A total of 56 halls make an appearance in the film, most still living, and some dead.

Information on future screenings can be found at www.dancehallroadtrip.com/dancehalldays.