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Texas Dance Halls: Still Swingin'

Texas Dance Halls: Still Swingin' is a five-part series that invites viewers to step into a living piece of Texas history.

Hosted by Jay Pennington, the series takes viewers on a journey through iconic venues and the communities that built and sustained them. Along the way, audiences will hear personal stories and experience the authentic charm that continues to draw people onto the dance floor.

Texas dance halls are unlike any other in the nation. They are spaces where past and present meet. Rooted deeply in the cultural fabric of South and Central Texas, these historic gathering places have long served as hubs for music, storytelling, and community connection.

"Texas Dance Halls: Still Swingin’ is more than just stories about dancing," says KLRN Executive Producer Shari St. Clair. "The lore of Texas dance halls runs so deep in our state. Dance halls were the first place in rural communities where residents gathered for both business and fun. These halls are iconic to Texas, and many are still in operation today. Our series looks at the origins of these rustic establishments, hears the stories of the grit and passion that built them, and learns about their preservation into the future."

Texas Dance Halls: Still Swingin' premieres Thursday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. on KLRN TV. Viewers can catch new episodes every Thursday until April 23, 2026. 

Production support was provided by the Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation. 

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