KLRN premieres Texas dance hall series

A five-part series premiering on KLRN this week takes a closer look at the legacy of Texas dance halls.

Why it matters: Texas dance halls are intertwined with the state's identity, long serving as spaces for people to gather and unwind — particularly across the Hill Country.

Zoom in: "Texas Dance Halls: Still Swingin'" is hosted by Jay Pennington, a screenwriter, director and actor from San Antonio.

• The series will share personal stories from dance halls, and introduce the people who built the venues.
• It will also take a look at dance hall preservation for future generations.

What they're saying: "The lore of Texas dance halls runs so deep in our state," executive producer Shari St. Clair said in a statement.

• "Dance halls were the first place in rural communities where residents gathered for both business and fun."

What's next: The series premieres at 7:30pm Thursday, with new episodes every Thursday through April 23.

• Watch it on KLRN's livestream if you don't have cable.