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Dance Weekend Sessions

Dance Weekend 2026 Sessions 

Dance Weekend workshops offer a variety of engaging sessions for all experience levels, including Appalachian cultural dances, traditional folk styles, and modern and international classes. 

Appalachian Heritage Sessions

Connecting with the heritage of the Mountain State is a key aspect of developing a well-rounded and informed WVU 4-H member. New to 4-H Dance Weekend, this session introduces participants to traditional skills and music led by WVU Extension professionals.

Appalachian Cooking -A hands-on West Virginia Heritage Foods class focused on traditional Appalachian cooking and foodways. During this single-session workshop, participants prepare classic recipes such as homemade biscuits or pie, while learning about the cultural history behind the dish, basic kitchen skills, and the importance of preserving local food traditions.

A woman is weaving a basket
Basket Making -Learn the art of basket weaving by creating your very own traditional egg basket. This hands-on class will guide campers step-by-step through the process of shaping, weaving, and finishing a sturdy and functional basket. Not only will you take home a beautiful handmade piece, but you’ll also gain an appreciation for this timeless heritage craft. * This class will be two periods.


Candle Making -Learn the basics of Candle making and take home your craft. Campers will make a basic Candlestick.

Have a Seat - In this hands-on class, campers will learn the traditional art of chair seat weaving while giving new life to the dining hall chairs that generations of 4-H members have used during their camp meals. By restoring these well-loved seats, you’ll not only gain practical skills in weaving but also become part of the living history of Jackson's Mill. * This will be a two Period class.

Tales and Tunes of Appalachia - In this interactive 4-H cultural class, youth will explore the rich traditions of Appalachian folk music and storytelling. Participants will discover how songs, instruments, and stories have been used for generations to share history, celebrate community, and pass down values. Through hands-on activities, they will learn simple folk songs, experiment with rhythm and homemade instruments, and take part in storytelling circles where creativity and imagination shine. This engaging class helps 4-H members connect with the heart of Appalachian heritage while building confidence in self-expression, teamwork, and public speaking.

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 Sessions 

Body Percussion -  Making moves and sounds with more than just music! Learn to use your whole body to make your dancing rhythm.

Bonus Class -  Sign up and see! Be ready to show your moves, and have some fun in this class!

Country Line – Participants will learn steps to music you might hear on country radio that can be used at camp dances, parties or wedding receptions.

Carolina Shag - Shag is a traditional beach dance. Popular in the Carolina's, it is often called the swing dance of the south, dancers will learn basic steps and moves for this dance.

Clogging - Step to the beat and learn the basics of traditional Appalachian clogging; this dance style can be found in roots of all dances, also referred to as flatfooting! * No experience needed.

Dance Camp Classics - Learn cherished line dances done in 4-H Camps across the state, such as Little Black Book, Amos Moses, the Milk Bucket Boogie, and more!

Disco – Let's get groovy! Learn dances from the 1970's disco era that will have you grooving to the beat all night long with 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. In this class you will discover traditional English group dances, similar to what you may see in popularized television show Bridgerton.

Hawaiian – Hear the waves and feel the ocean breeze as you learn to move your hips to the traditional songs of the island.

Highland Dance - Learn traditional Scottish dance steps to lively bagpipe music! No experience needed.

K-Pop - Learn the official choreography to some K-Pop hits!

Modern Dance - Learn the basic techniques of modern dance, which consist of floor work (movement from a sitting position) and traditional movement which uses yoga, light ballet, and jazz elements.

Morris – Learn traditional Cotswold Morris dances from England. Traditional English folk dances involving sets of 6 or 8 and safely swinging sticks. 

Partner Dance - In this course, we'll learn the basic steps to east coast swing dancing and go into individual dance moves such as leans, dips, and turns! Beginners are more than welcome, but advance moves will be show cased as well for more experienced couples! 

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 – A traditional group dance, that gets everyone involved. Learn to swing your partner, promenade, do-si-so, and more with this class!

Traditional Folk – Not your average folk class! This course explores dances from many different countries - learn dances that helped create some of your favorites you dance today! 

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.

Zumba - Group fitness class centered around Latin and international music and dance.

Dance class availability is subject to change based on the number of participants interested in each class.