Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' Music Video Finds Home at Storied Fort Worth Dance Hall

Stagecoach Ballroom celebrates 50 years of family ownership with Ella Langley's hit music video shoot

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:35pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered disco ball fragments reflecting dramatic beams of light, conveying the glamorous energy of a country music video production.The Stagecoach Ballroom's selection as the backdrop for Ella Langley's hit 'Choosin' Texas' music video shines a spotlight on Fort Worth's vibrant country music scene.Fort Worth Today

The Stagecoach Ballroom in Fort Worth, Texas has been a beloved dance hall and music venue for 50 years under the Czajkowski family's ownership. In a stroke of luck, the ballroom recently became the backdrop for multiplatinum artist Ella Langley's music video for her No. 1 hit 'Choosin' Texas', featuring actor Luke Grimes and cameos from Miranda Lambert and Wade Bowen. This marks the second major production at the historic venue, after it was used as a filming location for the 1987 movie 'Square Dance'.

Why it matters

The Stagecoach Ballroom has been a cornerstone of Fort Worth's music and dance community for half a century, hosting iconic country artists like Willie Nelson over the decades. Its selection as the setting for Ella Langley's hit music video not only celebrates the venue's storied history, but also shines a spotlight on Fort Worth's vibrant creative scene and the enduring appeal of Texas country music.

The details

In April 2026, a stranger called the Stagecoach Ballroom on a Friday night while owner Jean Czajkowski-Desai was working the front door, asking to film a music video. Within two weeks, the 65-year-old dance hall became the backdrop for Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' video, which features 'Yellowstone' actor Luke Grimes and cameos from Miranda Lambert, Wade Bowen, and several rodeo stars. This was the Stagecoach's second major production, after it was used as a filming location for the 1987 film 'Square Dance'.

  • In 1983, Czajkowski-Desai wrote a letter to actress Jane Alexander after reading that she was producing a film and searching for locations.
  • In 1987, the Stagecoach Ballroom was used as a filming location for the movie 'Square Dance'.
  • In 2024, the Texas Historical Commission recognized the ballroom with an official historical marker for its place in Fort Worth's music tradition.
  • On April 13, 2026, the Stagecoach Ballroom celebrates 50 years of family ownership under the Czajkowski family.

The players

Jean Czajkowski-Desai

The current owner of the Stagecoach Ballroom, who has been greeting patrons at the front door for decades.

Julia Paur

Czajkowski-Desai's daughter, who helped manage the logistics of the 'Choosin' Texas' music video production.

Ella Langley

A multiplatinum country music artist whose hit song 'Choosin' Texas' was filmed at the Stagecoach Ballroom.

Luke Grimes

An actor who appeared in the 'Choosin' Texas' music video, known for his role in the TV series 'Yellowstone'.

Miranda Lambert

A country music star who made a cameo appearance in the 'Choosin' Texas' music video.

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What they’re saying

“'I really want another production at the Stagecoach, one more time'”

— Jean Czajkowski-Desai, Owner, Stagecoach Ballroom

“'Working with her like that was one of the most memorable moments of my life. More than the production was her showing up and how hard she worked.'”

— Julia Paur, Daughter of Stagecoach Ballroom owner

“'We've had weddings here. We've had people match up here and we've had some memorials — this is very much home. That's why we just keep coming back. It's better than a nursing home.'”

— Kathy McDaniel, Frequent Stagecoach Ballroom patron

What’s next

On April 10, 2026, the Stagecoach Ballroom will host one of eight official listening parties for Ella Langley's new album 'Dandelion', which is set to drop that day.

The takeaway

The Stagecoach Ballroom's selection as the backdrop for Ella Langley's hit music video underscores its enduring importance as a hub for country music and dance in Fort Worth. Despite changing times, this family-owned venue has remained a beloved community gathering place for 50 years, proving the power of grassroots, mission-driven businesses to thrive.