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 (TDDT)?

TDDT is a performance-based 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 around that performs year-round, for a wide variety of events. In the past, we've performed for elementary schools, cultural events, festivals, restaurants, and even weddings. Our prime performance season is during the Lunar New Year (early Feb. or Mar.) where we perform the guantlet of back-to-back performances for businesses and organizations all over Austin.

How can I request a performance?

You can request a performance by emailing us. Please include the following information in your email:

1. Your name
2. Your email and/or phone
3. The name of the performance
4. A short description of the performance (what kind of event is it?)
5. The performance type (business oriented?)
6. The performance location (street address is ideal)
7. The performance date
8. The time you would like us to start the performance
9. Whether or not you would also like to invite Walnut Creek Lion Dance (see below)
10. Any other details you think would be necessary

For example, sending us a request a month or more before the event, your event will have a greater chance of being approved. Sending us a request with 1 week's notice, or during the busy Lunar New Year's season, will mean we may not be able to accomodate you.

Upon receiving your request a Contact Manager will be assigned to you. After the details of the performance request are squared away, the Contact Manager will submit your request to the team for processing. The amount of processing time varies based on time of the year and team member availability, but when we do know for certain, the Contact Manager will give you a CONFIRMED answer. Until you receive a definite confirmation from a Contact Manager, we CANNOT GUARANTEE that we will be available. If you need an answer by a certain date, but we have not given you a CONFIRMED answer, then our official answer is "No, we are unfortunately unavailable."

How much does it cost?

We request a $500 donation for a private organization performance (i.e. weddings, fee-based functions, store events, etc.) For schools and non-profit cultural events we usually perform free of charge! Please contact us to find out if your event qualifies for a free performance. Donations go directly into team maintainence which includes equipment purchase and repair.

Can I request numbers of lions and performers?

Sure! However, this is entirely based on availability. TDDT has a history of performing with the Walnut Creek Lion Dance Team which is composed of kids ranging from elementary to high school age. Please note in your performance request if you would like to invite them as well.

How do I join?

We practice on Sundays 12noon-2pm at the South Mall on the UT campus. Contact us via e-mail or simply show up at a practice - it is up to you. 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?

None! 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?

Yes and no. Our group is unique because we have two branches: a UT-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 all the time, where all of our received funds still go into team management. Please refer to us as TDDT, and not "the UT team."