Welcome New Dancers!
Welcome to Carolina Meltdown 2025
March 21-23
This is a work in progress
We are using Regfox 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!
2025 Top Shelf Talent Lineup
Topspin - Topspin is a new band made up of veteran dance musicians. Long-time collaborators Anna Patton and Owen Morrison (Elixir, The Figments) have teamed up with two of their favorite instrumentalists to create a dynamic contra dance experience. Emily Troll's (Anadama) powerful fiddling are adorned by Anna Patton's nimble and inventive clarinet. Owen Morrison's masterful guitar playing and Stefan Amidon's (The Sweetback Sisters) superb drumming combine for uniquely danceable rhythmic drive. While each band member is at home in many styles of music, a contra dance allows them to converse in their native language, providing a sonic tapestry in which dancers can interweave themselves.
Hot Coffee Breakdown promises to caffeinate your dancing! Driven by traditional and original tunes from Tom Cunningham's fiery fiddle, and powered by the Latin and rock rhythms of Kate Sanders on keyboard and Luis de Leon on percussion and harmonica, Hot Coffee Breakdown will energize your dance floor with a refreshingly wide variety of contra dance music. Hailing from Louisville, KY, for the past 7 years this versatile trio have excited dancers from New Jersey to Florida, and west to Chicago and St. Louis; and worked with top callers like Gaye Fifer, Seth Tepfer, Diane Silver and Darlene Underwood.
The Superlative Callers
Rick Mohr -Rick Mohr's calling and choreography have delighted dancers across North America for decades. Known for top-notch repertoire, good humor, and crystal-clear calling, Rick always brings fun and connection to the dance floor. Besides calling he loves fiddling, singing, stories, tessellations, and luring people into the world of music and dance.
Darlene Underwood - Darlene is a caller from the Midwest who is recognized nationally. She's known for high-energy dances that are exciting and really flow. She has been teaching and calling contra and square dances for over 26 years for smiling dancers across the country. She enjoys calling dances that help dancers connect to the music and to each other.
Sound this year by
Jared Kirkpatrick
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