A recreational and performance group founded in 1947, HIFD is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of ethnic dance from around the world. Primarily a recreational group that meets twice weekly, HIFD also stages folkdance performances for many events and festivals throughout the calendar year.
HIFD membership is open to all, and currently numbers about eighty-five, including a pool of approximately 30 dancers who are active in public performances. The group's repertoire includes more than 300 dances from 39 countries, with emphasis on those of Europe, the Middle East, and Mediterranean areas. While some performances present a mixture of dances and costumes from various countries, many focus on a single ethnic theme.
Noted folkdance teachers from many ethnic traditions come to Houston for the annual HIFD folkdance workshop, an event that draws participants from all over Texas and surrounding areas. In addition, our statewide counterpart, Texas International Folk Dancers, sponsors a four-day workshop each year during the Thanksgiving holidays, giving HIFD members even more exposure to internationally known folklorists, teachers and musicians.
HIFD has participated in the annual Mediterranean Festival at St. George Orthodox Church since its inception. Our group regularly performs at the Houston International Festival, at San Antonio College's yearly dance production, and in the Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio.
In recent years, HIFD produced "An Evening in Eastern Europe" at Miller Outdoor Theater in Houston. Appearing with us were The Gypsies from Houston providing music, the Austin Balkan Singers, the Dallas Ukranian Dancers, and Parasok, Houston's Hungarian dance troupe. Performers featuring authentic costumes from the Eastern Euopean countries presented songs and dances.
HIFD welcomes the opportunity to bring song, dance and music from other cultures to interested parties, and hopes that by so doing, we help preserve the uniqueness of the individual cultures as well as promote peace among all ethnicities.
