Frequently Asked Questions

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Dance camp? What kind of dance?

Each year is a little different, but we've offered inner-directed movement practices like Authentic Movement, Contact Improv, and Gabrielle Roth's 5Rhythms (tm); high energy classes such as African dance and Capoeira, along with more traditional partner dance forms like salsa, swing and tango.

Do I need to be some kind of pro dancer to fit in?

Not at all. We find that when we move from an authentic, non-judgmental source, we all look beautiful and connect with others on the dance floor. Most of us are dance-a-holics, not professionals, and classes are geared towards all levels. And more advanced contact improvisers, for instance, will find plenty to challenge them, as well.

Who comes to dance camp?

People like you--infants to elders, with most in their 20's, 30's and 40's. Active, earthy folks who love to move, know the joys of community, and see life with an open, playful eye. Singles. Couples. Families. Our numbers have ranged from 80-200 over the years.

Can I bring my kids?

You bet. We provide a terrific Kids Camp program for kids from 3 to 12 years old, with dancing, music, art, swimming and lots of time for free play. We also provide more challenging activities for the older kids, such as adventure walks and scavenger hunts.

What's a boogie?

It's a freestyle dance celebration in one of our sprung-floored dance temples, with an organic flow of music conjured by our dj shamans into the wee hours of the night. Expect funk, world, electronica, high-energy and heart-filled grooves that often drop into downtempo, sultry places as the night unwinds and deepens.

What should I leave at home?

Pets, preconceived notions, alcohol, non-prescription drugs, candles, perfumes and other scented products. Cigarette smoking is permitted in very limited areas - this is mostly a non-smoking crew and fire danger is usually very high.

A Day at Camp

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Roll out of your tent or cabin in the cool of the morning and start with yoga at the Pavilion by the lake. (Or sleep in, if you've been up late dancing!) Amble, awake now, up the path to the pine-nestled dining hall for breakfast. Hang, chat, chew and choose one of two or three morning classes from your camp program -- contact improv down in the Pavilion, or a gentle, transformative breathwork session in the refuge of the Nirvana Cabana, or perhaps an exhilarating leap into African dance in the dining hall.

Shower (or jump in the lake!) and get ready for a healthy and colorful lunch and whatever the day might bring next. After lunch, check out one of the camper-led activities or take a nap on the beach. Maybe it's your day to do community service with the kitchen crew, chopping veggies and learning about gourmet vegetarian cooking. It's all part of the dance.

In the late afternoon, join your Daily Practice group to go deeper into a particular form of movement, process, or play. Unexpected events, music jams, drum circles and rituals of all stripes can sprout up at any time -- feel free to instigate!

Then make sure you get back to the dining hall in time for dinner, followed by Chautauqua, where you get to relax and see what talents you and your fellow campers wish to share with the community. After drinking in the sunset, find yourself lifted onto your feet by the gentle rhythms of the opening deejay...and the boogie begins. Dance deep into the night, until there's just no more dancing to be done...until tomorrow!