86R33396 BPG-D
 
  By: Morrison H.R. No. 1644
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Dance halls played a special role in the settlement
  of the Lone Star State, and Texas Dance Hall Preservation is
  dedicated to raising awareness of their enduring value; and
         WHEREAS, In the mid-19th century, Texans who immigrated from
  central Europe prioritized construction of dance halls in their new
  communities; they used traditional craftsmanship to build these
  facilities as social hubs serving a variety of organizations, from
  singing, shooting, and physical fitness clubs to religious groups,
  community insurance associations, and agricultural organizations;
  as central to community life as courthouses and churches, the halls
  also hosted social dances, becoming incubators for a wide variety
  of Texas music styles including polka, Western swing, honky-tonk,
  conjunto, Tejano, and barrelhouse blues; and
         WHEREAS, The state once boasted more than 1,000 dance halls,
  each telling a unique story through its design and structure; as
  small towns lost population or were absorbed into suburbs, the
  dance halls began to disappear, and today there are fewer than 400;
  over a quarter of these are at risk, and while some still welcome
  dancers, others have been repurposed; and
         WHEREAS, In 2007, Texas Dance Hall Preservation was founded
  to save these buildings and the authentic music and culture they
  have nurtured; the organization promotes the use of dance halls as
  venues for music, social dancing, and assembly, and it sponsors
  informational programs for the public; moreover, it encourages
  historical documentation, awards grants to assist with restoration
  and repairs, and provides consulting to support the economic
  contributions that halls make to their communities; and
         WHEREAS, Dance halls are a priceless part of our heritage,
  and through its efforts, Texas Dance Hall Preservation is helping
  to ensure that these distinctive buildings continue to function as
  catalysts for social cohesion and cultural enrichment; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
  Legislature hereby honor Texas Dance Hall Preservation for its
  outstanding work and encourage all Texans to explore, enjoy, and
  support dance halls in their communities and across the state; and,
  be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for TDHP as an expression of high regard by the Texas House
  of Representatives.