Carolina Meltdown

Save the Date for Carolina Meltdown 2027
March 19 - 21
Registrations Opens Friday, November 27 at 8am
No tickets will be sold at the event.

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.

Resources Coming Soon
2027 Schedule
Camp Thunderbird Map
Attendee Instructions
Volunteer Sign-up

2027 Top Shelf Talent Lineup

Red Case Band

RED CASE BAND is an electrifying deep-space groove party machine, featuring Stuart Kenney (interstellar banjo trance, deep bass pulsars), Clara Stickney (star-shimmering harp and fiddle), Alex Cumming (cumulonimbus accordion and piano), Matt Kenney (galactic percussion), and Max Newman (gamma ray electric guitar). Their richly textured musical signal shakes to the planetary core and broadcasts on all danceable frequencies.

Toss the Possum

TOSS THE POSSUM is a rockin duo composed of Rob Zisette on fiddle and foot percussion and Laura Zisette on keyboards. They have been captivating dancers across the country since 2004 at countless dance weekends and festivals. Their sound is eclectic, both lyrical and driving, smooth and energetic; comprised from traditional fiddle tunes with jazz and rock influences, original tunes and waltzes.

The Superlative Callers

Jacqui Grennan - Jacqui Grennan started contra dancing in Los Angeles in 2009. Since then, she’s immersed herself in the world of folk dancing as a contra caller, choreographer, English Country Dance caller, and explorer of Modern Western Square Dancing. Experiencing these different roles has given her a broader perspective on how dancers learn and how best to support them. Jacqui is known for clear teaching with a stage presence that combines calm confidence with enthusiasm. She crafts programs that balance flow, variety, and fun for dancers across a range of experience levels. Seeing herself as the host of a dance party, her goal is to create sessions where everyone feels welcomed, challenged, and has fun.

Gaye Fifer - Gaye Fifer is an accomplished caller from Pittsburgh, PA. An active dancer herself, Gaye understands the subtleties of making dances particularly satisfying for dancers. Her instructions are clear and concise, as she was a teacher by profession. An easy smile and delightful sense of humor are part of Gaye’s relaxed, pleasant style at the microphone. Gaye calls contra and English dances throughout the U.S. and Canada. She is also an enthusiastic advocate and instructor of contra-style waltz.

Note: Callers will call dances using larks and robins role terms

Sound by Stagecoach Sound
(Jared and Galen Kirkpatrick)

Cost
Young dancer: (25 and under)

Dance only - $105; Dance & Meals - $160; Dance, Meals, Cabin - $230 ($200 if camping)
Black Friday Price: (first 50 tickets sold)

Dance only - $135; Dance & Meals - $200; Dance, Meals, Cabin - $270 ($240 if camping)
Early Bird Price: (Ends January 31, 2027)

Dance only - $145; Dance & Meals - $210; Dance, Meals, Cabin - $280 ($250 if camping)
Reg Price: (after January 31, 2027)

Dance only - $155; Dance & Meals - $220; Dance, Meals, Cabin - $290 ($260 if camping)

Dining - A bargain at $65

Potluck Friday Night - 6:00 - 7:00pm in Johnson Hall

With a meal plan purchase, you get 5 hearty meals - vegetarian options also available
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.

Lodging Options

Cabins and tent sites are available! Sign up early as space is limited and will sell out.

Staying off-site? Here are some local options:
Tru by Hilton Charlotte Ayrsley

Holiday Inn Express and Suites

Springhill Suites Charlotte at Carowinds

McDowell Campground

Long Cove Resort and Marina

REFUND POLICY

50% refund until Feb. 15. After Feb. 15, no refunds unless exceptional circumstances unless we can fill your spot.

Playshops and Special Events (subject to change)

Rushfest!
Waltz Workshop
Challenging and Smooth Contra Sessions
Morning and Afternoon Yoga
Callers' Workshop
Organizers' Meetup
3 Sessions Open Waltz to Live Music!
Musicians' Jam
AND MORE!

Questions? Email us at cltcdboard@gmail.com

Note: Callers will call dances using larks and robins role terms

Sound by Stagecoach Sound (Jared and Galen Kirkpatrick)

Sound by Stagecoach Sound
(Jared and Galen Kirkpatrick)