Resources & FAQ

Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How much does it cost?
    The admission fee is $5 for those 18 and older. There is no fee for those under 18, but they must be supervised by a designated person 18 or older.
  • What is the evening schedule?
    We are at Hancock Rec Center (HRC) almost every Friday from 7 to 9:45 pm.
  • Does AIFD meet every Friday at (HRC)?
    We meet most Fridays. Exceptions are when HRC is closed for holidays or repairs, or when most members will be attending Texas Camp or the San Antonio Folk Dance Festival. We will always publish many weeks in advance about when we will not be meeting at HRC.
  • What about fragrances?
    AIFD events are fragrance-free to protect dancers with allergies. Please refrain from applying strong perfumes and deodorants.
  • What should I wear?
    Comfortable, non-stick shoes, loose fitting clothes. Folk dancing can be a workout, so bring extra shirts if you feel you will sweat a lot.
  • Who sets the program?
    The DJ — the person frantically running the sound equipment in the corner of the room.
  • How do I know what will be played next?
    The list of dances coming up is on the TV screen by the DJ.
  • Do you play line and couple dances?
    Yes! When we have a relative even number of men and women, about half the dances are couples and the other half line dances. If we have an imbalance we will play what gets the most people up dancing.
  • Can I request a specific dance?
    Yes! There is a request list by the programmer in the corner of the room.
  • Who do I see if I have questions?
    Start with the person next to you. If they don’t know, they usually can point you in the right direction. Or try someone you saw leading or teaching a dance.
  • Do all those people really know that dance?
    Not necessarily – they have done the dance (or dances like it) enough to quickly pick up the steps. Many of our dances you can learn by just jumping in and doing them.
  • How do I know if I can do the dance?
    The programmer will generally announce if the dance is easy. If it is, do it! Otherwise ask someone.
  • How do I join a line dance?
    It is best to join at the end of the line (opposite from where the dance is being led). Some dances are better learned by dancing behind someone in the line.
  • Will I be able to learn all the dances?
    Sure! But most people don’t. Instead people learn how to learn a dance – identify the rhythm, patterns, and footwork so they can pick up the dance after just a few phrases of the music. This comes with experience.
  • Should I ask someone to do a couples dance?
    Yes! And be prepared to be asked.
  • How do I learn more dances?
    The best way is to attend and arrive on time. Most nights start with teaching and easier dances, and dances are reviewed the following week. Alternatively, ask someone to lead you through a dance or practice behind the line.
  • Can I request that a specific dance be taught?
    Yes! We have a dance teaching request sign up sheet on the table near the door.
  • Should I come back next week?
    Yes!
  • What is the best way to find out who is programming next week?
    The AIFD website is updated with that week’s DJ, assistant, and teaching information the Wednesday prior to that week’s dancing. On Wednesdays the newsletter is also distributed. If you are not already receiving the newsletter and would like to, use this link.
  • Does AIFD have a code of conduct?
    Yes .. AIFD Code of Conduct.