Frequently Asked Questions

Are masks required?

No, but they are welcomed.

Is proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test required?

No.

Do you gender balance?

No.

Will the caller use gender-free terms?

Yes. However, local callers at the Saturday afternoon session may or may not use gender-free terms.

Is alcohol allowed at the hall?

No! Our contract with the hall, as well as our own policy, prohibits alcohol at the dances.

What about smoking?

Bayou Bedlam is a smoke-free event.

What do you mean by fragrance-free?

Many people have physical reactions to the chemicals in scented products as well as tobacco (or other) smoke that lingers on a person's breath and clothing. These reactions range from mild to serious.

In consideration of those who are sensitive and for your own health, please use unscented deodorants, soaps, and shampoos before coming to the dance and leave the perfumes and colognes at home.

For more on this subject and suggested unscented products, see our Why Fragrance Free? page on the HATDS website.

How much does the whole weekend cost?

Found on the Policies & Fees page.

How much do individual sessions cost?

Found on the Policies & Fees page under “Individual Sessions”.

Houston area dancers who are planning to attend part-time should see the Houston Area Dancers page for important information.

Can I pay for individual sessions in advance or with a credit card?

You must pay at the door. We take cash, checks, credit cards, and digital wallets.

Are there hotels that you recommend or have negotiated a group rate with?

No, although there is information and links on the lodging page that will help you find a hotel or Airbnb in the nearby zip codes.

Do you offer home hospitality?

We do, but hospitality is no longer available. We've received more requests than we have available spaces.

If I register for the full weekend and then can't come, can I get a refund?

Probably yes, but refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis and there may be a fee to cover our expenses. The refund policy is on the Policies & Fees page.

I've never contra danced before. Is this event good for people new to contra dance?

Festival events such as Bayou Bedlam are not really designed for beginners. That being said, if you've done other types of dance and are a quick learner, a festival can be a great introduction to contra dance because of the large number of experienced dancers in attendance, most of whom are willing to help a beginner.

You will learn the most and progress the quickest at the daytime workshops on Saturday, so be sure to attend those.

It's like a rhythmic swirl of awesomeness and dancing.
~ Alix Hamburger, a 10th grader describing contra dance.