Dance Weekend | Extension | West Virginia University

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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, Line Dance, and Dance Camp Classic, as well as some new and exciting additions such as WV Band/Jam and 4-H Showchoir. 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, 2023

WHEN

Friday, March 10, 2023 - Sunday, March 12, 2023

WHERE

WVU Jackson's Mill

COST

$125

REGISTRATION

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

View All WVU 4-H State Camps

ADULT MEMBERS & STAFF

All adult members & staff must be fully vetted through WVU Extension Service and register for the event through ZSuite. The complete vetting process must be completed at least 15 days in advance of the event. Learn more information about the volunteer process.

Camp Details

Tentative Schedule
Workshops
Notes and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Camp Directors

Tentative Schedule

Friday

6 p.m. Registration – Assembly Hall
7:30 p.m. Introduction of Program/Snacks – Assembly Hall
10 p.m. Reflections
10:30 p.m. In Cottage
11 p.m. Lights Out

Saturday

8 - 8:50 a.m. Breakfast
9 - 9:50 a.m. Workshop 1
10:05 - 10:55 a.m. Workshop 2
11:05 - 11:55 a.m. Workshop 3
12 - 12:50 p.m. Lunch
1:10 - 2:10 p.m. Workshop 4
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Workshop 5
3:50 - 4:45 p.m. Workshop 6
5 - 6 p.m. Dinner
6:15 - 7 p.m. Prep for Dance
7 p.m. Evening Dance (Live Band, Square Dancing, Line Dancing, Folk and Party Dancing) / Refreshments
10 p.m. Reflections
10:30 p.m. In Cottage
11 p.m. Lights Out

Sunday

8:30 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Exhibition Dancing and Group Dancing
11 a.m. Safe Trip Home

Workshops

Dance Camp Classics - This is the class you want to take if you want to learn all of those dance camp favorites you will want to know for the Saturday dance. There is no experience required, and this class is highly recommended for first-year campers as well as those campers who want to brush up on the classics.
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.
Beginning Square Dance - This class is for beginning square dancers and teaches traditional square dances.
Intermediate Square Dance - This class is for intermediate to advanced square dancers and teaches traditional square dances. This class requires a partner.
Traditional Folk - This workshop is an introduction to the basic folk dances from various countries. This class does not require any previous experience.
Country Swing – Learn swing dance to classic country tunes.
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.
4-H Show Choir - Join a show choir choreographer to learn basic show steps and music and gauge interest in a potential WV 4-H Show choir group! No previous show choir experience is needed.
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.
Hawaiian – Learn the hula and other moves to popular tunes.
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.
Shim Sham - Originally a particular tap dance routine and is regarded as tap dance's national anthem. For today's swing dancers, it is a line dance.
Rapper Sword - Rapper Sword is a group dance for 5-6 intermediate-advanced level dancers. It uses flexible swords from the early industrial era of England. It is a variation of sword dance that emerged from the pit villages of Tyneside in North East England, where miners first performed the tradition. The dance requires five to six performers who coordinate themselves using rapper swords made from flexible steel. Mental alertness, in addition to physical agility, is required in order for dance participants to effectively utilize the swords and perform in the correct manner.
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

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.