texas dragon/lion dance team

Welcome the homepage of the Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team, an Austin-based community lion dance group.

What is Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team?

The Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team (TDDT) is a performance-driven lion dance group based in Austin, Texas. Our goal is to share and in many cases introduce the art of lion dancing to the community. We are one of the few teams in Central Texas that performs year-round, for a wide variety of events. In the past we've performed for elementary schools, cultural events, festivals, restaurants, and weddings. Our prime performance season is during the Lunar New Year (early February or March) where we perform the guantlet of back-to-back performances for businesses and organizations all over Austin.

How can I request a performance?

To request a performance or learn more about our performances, please visit our Performance Request page.

We accept a wide variety of performance requests ranging from private events to public cultural events. The number of performers and/or lions present at the event will vary based on team availability.

Due to the popularity of our performances (particularly during the Chinese new year season), please be sure to request your event as far in advance as possible. Due to the number of requests we receive and circumstances affecting team availability, we CANNOT GUARANTEE availability until you receive a confirmation from a team Contact Manager.

How do I join?

If you are interested in joining, send us an e-mail or simply show up at one of our practices, held on Sundays from 12 - 2 p.m. at the South Mall of the UT Austin campus. Even if you're still making up your mind you are welcome to come out and watch. Once we meet you we'll let you know of the specific requirements to be able to perform. Remember that practice makes perfect!

What prior experience do I need before joining? Do I need to know martial arts?

No experience is necessary! An interest in the art of lion dancing and/or martial arts is all that you need to be a part of TDDT. We will work with you regardless of your skill level or prior experience.

Are you affiliated with The University of Texas at Austin?

Yes and no. Our group is unique because we have two branches: a UT Austin-based official student organization and an Austin community-based group. In practice though, we operate as one large group called Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team. We still do many performances for UT organizations and functions, and 100% of all of our received funds still go into team management. Please refer to us as TDDT, and not "the UT team."

What if I have more questions about the team or lion dancing?

If you have general questions about the Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team (including media requests) or questions about the art of lion dancing, please send an e-mail to info@tddt.org and we'll be happy to answer your questions.

If you would like to request a performance from our team, please visit our Performance Request page.