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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Dance halls played a special role in the settlement |
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of the Lone Star State, and Texas Dance Hall Pr |
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eservation is |
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dedicated to raising awareness of their enduring value; and |
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WHEREAS, In the mid-19th century, Texans who immigrated from |
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central Europe prioritized construction of dance halls in their new |
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communities; they used traditional craftsmanship to build these |
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facilities as social hubs serving a variety of organizations, from |
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singing, shooting, and physical fitness clubs to religious groups, |
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community insurance associations, and agricultural organizations; |
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as central to community life as courthouses and churches, the halls |
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also hosted social dances, becoming incubators for a wide variety |
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of Texas music styles including polka, Western swing, honky-tonk, |
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conjunto, Tejano, and barrelhouse blues; and |
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WHEREAS, The state once boasted more than 1,000 dance halls, |
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each telling a unique story through its design and structure; as |
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small towns lost population or were absorbed into suburbs, the |
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dance halls began to disappear, and today there are fewer than 400; |
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over a quarter of these are at risk, and while some still welcome |
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dancers, others have been repurposed; and |
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WHEREAS, In 2007, Texas Dance Hall Preservation was founded |
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to save these buildings and the authentic music and culture they |
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have nurtured; the organization promotes the use of dance halls as |
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venues for music, social dancing, and assembly, and it sponsors |
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informational programs for the public; moreover, it encourages |
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historical documentation, awards grants to assist with restoration |
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and repairs, and provides consulting to support the economic |
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contributions that halls make to their communities; and |
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WHEREAS, Dance halls are a priceless part of our heritage, |
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and through its efforts, Texas Dance Hall Preservation is helping |
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to ensure that these distinctive buildings continue to function as |
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catalysts for social cohesion and cultural enrichment; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor Texas Dance Hall Preservation for its |
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outstanding work and encourage all Texans to explore, enjoy, and |
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support dance halls in their communities and across the state; and, |
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be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for TDHP as an expression of high regard by the Texas House |
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of Representatives. |
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Morrison |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 1644 was adopted by the House on May |
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24, 2019, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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