Welcome New Dancers!
Welcome to Carolina Meltdown 2026
March 20-22
Purchase your tickets here!
We are using Regfox online registration exclusively this year - coming soon!
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.
2026 Schedule - Coming soon
Camp Thunderbird Map
Attendee Instructions - Coming soon
2026 Top Shelf Talent Lineup
The Engine Room - The Engine Room is a contra dance band hailing from both coasts and places in between. Featuring Noah VanNorstrand (fiddle, mandolin, foot percussion), Kelsey Wells (fiddle, banjo), and Alex Sturbaum (guitar, button accordion), the Engine Room will lay down a driving, nonstop groove that is sure to get you moving.​
​​ The Dam Beavers - The Dam Beavers are Ben Schreiber on fiddle, Scotty Leach on piano, and Ness Smith-Savedoff on drums. With roots in a wide variety of styles and genres, their music comprises an eclectic mix of old and new, familiar and unfamiliar. Let the current sweep you away as the Dam Beavers build a dam of rhythm beneath your feet!
The Superlative Callers
Lisa Greenleaf - Lisa Greenleaf calls regularly in the Boston and New England areas and has been a staff member at dance camps and festivals throughout the country and beyond. Her specialties include traditional and contemporary contras, fun squares, challenging dances of all shapes and sizes, and callers' training. Lisa likes to emphasize community, communication, and FUN in her workshops, guiding participants to get the most out of their dancing or calling experience. She has a keen interest in understanding group dynamics as well as the power of positive leadership.
Cis Hinkle - Cis Hinkle is a ‘facilitator of fun’ who has delighted dancers for decades with her skilled teaching, welcoming manner, playful enthusiasm, and masterful selection of dances. She’s in great demand at music and dance festivals all over the US, England, Denmark, and beyond. When not on the road, Cis teaches tai chi classes in her native Atlanta, Georgia.
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Sound by Stagecoach Sound
Cost
Black Friday - First 50 tickets sold
Dance $120
Meals/Dance $180
Meals/Dance/Cabin $250
Early Bird Pricing
Dance $130
Meals/Dance $185
Meals/Dance/Cabin $255​
Regular Price, after January 31
Dance $140​
Meals/Dance $195
Meals/Dance/Cabin $265
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New this year, young dancer discount (25 and under)
Dance $105
Meals/Dance $160
​Meals/Dance/Cabin $230
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Schedule
Coming Soon
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How can I help by volunteering?
Glad you asked! Many hands make for light work! We cannot do it without you!
Volunteer sign-up coming soon
How can I contact the Organizer with questions?
Email us at cltcdboard@gmail.com
Sleeping Arrangements
Cabins are available this year!
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 - We listened and in 2026 lower bunks are available on a first come basis - but you can reserve when you register! Yay!
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.
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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Your wristband is your ticket to dance and to the cafeteria - please make sure you have it with you
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We are not able to accomodate pets at Camp Thunderbird. Thank you for your understanding.
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Camp Thunderbird only allows sleeping in the cabins. Please do not sleep in your car, van, or tent.
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Parking spots are designated on the map. Please only park in those spots.
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Camp Thunderbird does not allow cooking or alcohol on the campground. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping everyone and the campground safe.
Dining
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.
REFUND POLICY
50% refund until Feb. 15. After Feb. 15, no refunds unless exceptional circumstances unless we can fill your spot.
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 (work in progress for 2026)
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Rushfest!
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Waltz Workshop
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Challenging and Smooth Contra Sessions
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Morning and Afternoon Yoga
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Callers' Workshop
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Organizers' Meetup
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3 Sessions Open Waltz to Live Music!
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Musicians' Jam
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AND MORE!
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
McDowell Campground (these sell out quickly!)
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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
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