Welcome New Dancers!
Welcome to Carolina Meltdown 2024
March 8-10th
Thank you for coming and special thanks to our volunteers!
Save the date: March 21-23, 2025
We are using Eventbrite online registration exclusively this year.
Click here to register
New to contra dancing or Carolina Meltdown? Carolina Meltdown is our annual dance weekend that has been held for decades at the lovely YMCA Camp Thunderbird on Lake Wylie, SC. It runs from Friday evening with events throughout the weekend ending Sunday afternoon.
The Schedule is out! ->
<- Attendee Instructions!
2024 Superstar Lineup
The Syncopaths - From dance floors to concert halls, the Syncopaths bring a fresh, contemporary spin to tunes and songs rooted in the Scottish, Irish, and American folk traditions.
Evolving through their contradance origins, they are creating a “chamber folk” sound, characterized by the compelling rhythmic interplay of fiddle and mandolin, rich vocals, and unexpected colors and rhythms of the piano and bodhrån. The exuberant joy they derive from the music and each other is palpable and contagious.
Synchopaths Video
Drive Train is a New England raised group of rocking contra musicians who bring a drive to contra dance music like no other band out there. Ed Howe's masterful fiddling with Bennett Konesni's high energy on the guitar pairs well with Stuart Kenney's ability to lock into the groove of the music, making this trio unforgettably dance-able. They believe in bringing music back to its roots, leveraging the drive of bluegrass 'playing in the pocket' which creates movement that lifts dancers' feet.
The Fabulous Callers
Seth Tepfer - Seth Tepfer teaches adults and children to dance in less than 60 seconds. He calls dances for adults and children like you've never seen before. Known for his infectious energy, his short walk-thru's, and his 'hash-contras', Seth's warm enthusiasm is contagious, and gets everyone moving, smiling, and having a great time. Whatever the dance, you can be certain that all involved - novices and experienced dancers alike - will go away happy and eager to dance more!
Diane Silver - - One of Asheville’s most sought-after dance callers, Diane Silver has been a die-hard contra dancer, swing dancer, and kitchen flat-footer for over 20 years. With a penchant for hot modern contras and a few FUN squares, she loves sharing high-energy dancing that allows everyone to “play” with the band. Highly acclaimed for her clear, efficient teaching and calling, creative medleys, great positive energy, and spirit of community building, Diane provides a sizzling evening of dance in a friendly, welcoming tone.
Sound again this year by
Ed Howe - the sound man and violin virtuoso
Schedule?
Scroll up to see the schedule!
How can I help by volunteering?
Glad you asked! Many hands make for light work! We cannot do it without you!
Volunteer here
How can I contact the Organizer with questions?
Email us at carolinameltdown@gmail.com
Sleeping Arrangements?
Cabins are back this year! We will be using a signupgenius.com form for cabins that will be available after registration.
A map of the cabins at Camp Thunderbird can be found at:
https://documents.ymcacharlotte.org/m/5cdce23c4c99a75f/original/Camp-Thunderbird-Facility-Map.pdf
Cabin bunks - everyone wants a lower bunk, right? The cabin assignments will be done via signupgenius.com (you will receive the link in an email to signup), but the bunks are going to be first come first served on arrival for the weekend.
Please be polite and work it out amongst the other cabin members, and younger dancers might want to be gracious and take an upper bunk.
Remember to bring your own bedding and towels - it's a YMCA camp!
Bring a power strip if you need an outlet.
Note: Camp Thunderbird is very nice hosting us, but they have asked us not to call about cabins. They are not staffed like a hotel, so please do not call them and ask about cabins arrangements.
Also, the dance organizers will be very busy, and will not have the time to handle cabin and bunk requests.
Feel free to reach out to your Charlotte area friends to see if they have space! Or make a new friend by posting on our Facebook page to see what the natives might have!
Dance weekend rules
While you are here, please honor these Camp Thunderbird rules so we can maintain our good relationship with Camp Thunderbird and have a safe dance weekend for everyone!
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Be sure to wear your wrist band to the dance and the cafeteria or you won’t be able to dance or eat.
No exceptions! -
Pets are NOT invited guests at Camp Thunderbird. Sorry…
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Sleeping in cars/vans or tents on the camp property is forbidden.
(And they really, really mean it. They will ask you to leave!) -
Please park in the lots designated on the map. Do not park along the road or next to the dance hall.
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Cooking and alcohol are not allowed anywhere on the grounds.
Want to save some time? Fill out the Y Camp Waiver ahead of time! ->
Dining?
With a meal plan purchase, you get 5 hearty meals.
Need vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free? No problem - just let us know on your registration form!
Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner and Sunday breakfast and lunch are provided this year by Camp Thunderbird.
We have added a Cookie Break on Saturday night, so feel free to bring your favorite baked goods to share. Gluten free treats are always appreciated.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, there is no potluck dinner this year.
REFUND POLICY
50% refund minus $15 until 7 days before the dance.
No refunds within 7 days of the dance.
What is the weather like in March?
Early spring in the Carolinas can be fickle and/or fantastic! Take a look at your favorite weather app a little closer to the event to be sure of an accurate forecast. But generally, it is lovely.
Playshops and Special Events?
• RushFest!
• Salty Dog Rag
• Dutch Crossing
• Waltz Workshop
• RushFest!
• Callers’ Workshop
• Challenging Contras
• Morning Yoga
• RushFest!
Lodging Options
We are offering cabins this year, but these are here just in case someone wants to stay off site
Tru by Hilton Charlotte Ayrsley
Holiday Inn Express and Suites
Springhill Suites Charlotte at Carowinds
If you are local or from out of town and want to host someone or are asking for a place, please post on our Facebook event forum