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Dance Weekend

What is Dance Weekend?

While attending WV 4-H Dance Weekend, youth spend the weekend learning new dances and mastering their favorites.

Workshops include beloved classic options such as Square and Line Dance, as well as some new and exciting additions such as WV Band/Jam! This weekend is great for new and experienced dancers to come together and carry on the traditions of 4-H Dance Weekend.


WHO

West Virginia youth ages 12 to 21 as of September 30, 2024

WHEN

Friday, March 15, 2024 - Sunday, March 17, 2024

WHERE

WVU Jackson's Mill

COST

$150

REGISTRATION

This year's Dance Weekend has passed and the registration has been closed. Stay tuned for news and announcements on the next year's Dance Weekend!

View All WVU 4-H State Camps

ADULT VOLUNTEERS

All adult volunteers must be fully vetted through WVU Extension and register for the event through ZSuite, our online registration system. The complete vetting process must be completed at least 15 days in advance of the event. Learn about the volunteer process.

If you are interested in volunteering for this state camp, please contact the Camp Directors.


Camp Details


Tentative Schedule

Friday

  • 6 p.m.
    • Registration | Assembly Hall
  • 7:30 p.m.
    • Introduction of Program & Snacks | Assembly Hall
  • 10:00 p.m.
    • Reflections
  • 10:30 p.m.
    • In Cottages
  • 11:00 p.m.
    • Lights Out

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.
    • Breakfast | Mt. Vernon Dining Hall
  • 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.
    • Workshop #1
  • 10:05 a.m. - 10:55 a.m.
    • Workshop #2
  • 11:05 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.
    • Workshop #3
  • 12:00 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.
    • Lunch | Mt. Vernon Dining Hall
  • 1:10 p.m. - 2:10 p.m.
    • Workshop #4
  • 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    • Workshop #5
  • 3:50 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
    • Workshop #6
  • 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    • Dinner | Mt. Vernon Dining Hall
  • 6:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
    • Prep for Dance
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • Evening Dance & Refreshments
      • Live Band, Square Dancing, Line Dancing, Folk and Party Dancing!
  • 10:00 p.m.
    • Reflections
  • 10:30 p.m.
    • In Cottages
  • 11:00 p.m.
    • Lights Out

Sunday

  • 8:30 a.m.
    • Breakfast | Mt. Vernon Dining Hall
  • 9:30 a.m.
    • Exhibition Dancing & Group Dancing
  • 11:00 a.m.
    • Safe Travels Home

Workshop Information

  • Country Line – Learn dances to songs you might hear on the country radio stations. And might do at 4-H or other dances.
  • Disco - Back by popular demand, come to this class to learn dances popular in the mid to late 1970s that have elements of funk, soul, pop, and salsa. Great for beginners, no partner is needed.
  • English - A patterned or figured dance similar to American contra dancing. Simple steps in groups to form group dances.
  • Hawaiian – Learn the hula and other moves to popular tunes.
  • Line Dance - Learn line dances to popular songs. You will learn dances you can perform at the 4-H camp party or anytime you hear the song on the radio. Some old favorites.
  • Morris – Traditional English folk dances involving sets of 6 or 8 and safely swinging sticks. English - Traditional English country dances
  • Polka – Polka refers to both the half-tempo and the half-jump steps of the dance. Learn dances to classic polka tunes in this class.
  • Spaghetti Rag - The Spaghetti Rag is an advanced couple dance based on the two step. Dancers seldom learn this dance during one class period, as it is a challenge. We will spend the entire class learning this dance, and you will need a partner. If you already know the dance, come enjoy teaching others while you refresh your memory. *Two Periods
  • Square Dance - This class teaches traditional square dances.
  • Traditional Folk - Learn dances from a variety of cultures that are still danced today in West Virginia. There will be a beginner, intermediate, and advanced class to meet the level of experience for participants.
    • Beginner - Teaches the folk dancing basics such as Amos Moses, Bad Bad Leroy Brown, King Tut, and many more.
    • Intermediate - Teaches a step up from the basic folk dances such as Pata Pata, Milk Bucket Boogie, Salty Dog Rag.
    • Advanced - Teaches folk dances that are considered the more fast paced and partner dances compared to the others.
  • WV Music and Jam Session - This new class will be for those interested in West Virginia music and instruments. It will be a combination of vocals and a “jam session”. If you have a guitar or other string instrument, feel free to bring it. No instruments will be provided.
*Dance Class availability is subject to change based on the number of participants interested in each class.*

Notes & FAQs

  • The event registration fee includes two nights of lodging, meals during the event, and event equipment/supplies.
  • Youth participants sleep in cabins with bunk-style twin beds. Participants are clustered with other youth of the same age and gender. The cabins are supervised by trained and vetted 4-H volunteers and Extension professionals.
  • The cabins will be stocked with bed linens (sheets, pillows, and blankets). You do not need to bring bed linens. You are welcome to bring your own linens, sleeping bag, blankets, etc. You will need to bring your own toiletries and a bath towel.
  • Meals that are included are Friday evening snacks, Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, and Sunday breakfast. Eat dinner before arriving for check-in.
  • Camp clothing must be comfortable and adaptable to varied weather conditions. Camp clothing needs to be functional…not fashionable.

We're Accredited!

American Camp Association (ACA) Logo

West Virginia 4-H State level camps held at WVU Jackson’s Mill are accredited by the American Camp Association! Learn about ACA accreditation.

Camp Directors