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about the weekend/frequently asked questions

FLASH! Nancy’s Dresses – Skirts - Pants will be available

New fashions in dance apparel for ALL…

Come prepared to update your dance wardrobe!

Why here?

The New River Gorge area of West Virginia is a fantastic place to live. As an former outdoor guide and owner of New River Llama Treks, for seven years Whirl founder Gary Reynolds had the great pleasure of introducing hundreds of visitors to some of the many natural delights of this area. He also gets to play for dancers in West Virginia and nearby states with a great group of musicians and friends, the Contrarians. It seemed only natural to combine two of his great loves - dances, and this beautiful area - in a single, magical weekend.

Whitewater Whirl is a mini dance VACATION, because you'll have the opportunity on Saturday to enjoy and explore the Gorge area, either on a pro-guided activity or on your own. All the info you'll need is here on the Whirl website. Or, you may choose to stick around for the workshops (with live music accompaniment!) and the afternoon contra dance. Or do a little of both! Otherwise, you'll enjoy a weekend full of dance and conviviality in a wonderful camp setting at Fayette County Park. (Photo at bottom of page.)

Let's Dance!

West Virginia Friends of Old Time Music and Dance

Schedule overview
When it's essentially complete, the detailed schedule will be posted on this site.

Friday: check-in, meet, greet, and move feet Check-in begins at Fayette County Park at 6:00 p.m. Dancing begins at 8 and ends at midnight. There is a fire ring for late-nighters, though getting to bed would be a good idea - big day tomorrow!

Saturday daytime: a time to enjoy our great outdoors, or stay onsite for workshops & dance, or both! After an early breakfast, those of you who have registered for a pro-guided activity will depart for your outfitter's base camp. (See the Choose An Outdoor Adventure page, and register with your outfitter in advance.)

Meanwhile, their will be dance workshops onsite, followed by an afternoon contra dance.

We'll also provide you with printed info to explore by car, bike, or on foot, into and around the New River Gorge, "the Grand Canyon of the East." In '05, about 60% of participants spent at least part of the day pursuining some form of outdoor pleasure off-site.

Dinner in the dining hall or on your own.

Saturday night: More dance! Late-night fire circle.

Sunday: Morning is for sleeping in, leisurely eating, open waltz, maybe a workshop. In the afternoon, contra to our "super-sized" mega-band before everyone heads home happy.

Answers to frequently asked questions
If there's a question you think we should cover here but haven't, email us.

Cost:

Earlybird rates: Earlybird Weekend Pass is $65; Earlybird Youth Pass (a weekend pass for dancers age 25 and under) is $39. We're also offering a Guest Pass (FREE) for persons who want to stay onsite but not participate in dances or workshops. (Tell that non-dancing husband to go take a hike!) For full pricing info, see the registration form. Reservations must be postmarked by 4/16 for earlybird rates. What is included: Four contra dances plus Sunday morning waltz on a great floor in a cool building in a nice setting in a "Gorge-ous" area [ Excellent snacking during dances [ Live waltz music for Sunday breakfast [ 2 great bands, two great callers [ Unusual and fun dance workshops [ Fire circle [ Infomation for self-guided biking, hiking, and scenic driving to some really sweet places in the immediate area.
Why a discount for younger dancers? It's a sort of affirmative action. The dance community is aging overall, and I want to do something to provide extra incentive for young people to get involved.
Onsite camping in tent, car, or RV - CHEAP! Just $15 for the weekend. (Not free, unfortunately -- we didn't make expenses our first year.)
Onsite bunkhouse lodging - CHEAP! Just $20 for the weekend. Showers/bathrooms are convenient, in cabin area. BYO towels, soap, shampoo, and bedding including pillow.
Optional MEAL PLAN: If you want to purchase the meal plan, you will do so at the time you register. If you want our meal plan and or Saturday lunch, we must RECEIVE that order a week in advance of the Whirl. The meal plan includes Saturday breakfast and dinner, and Sunday breakfast. You have an option to purchase a Saturday sack lunch - either with or without purchasing the Meal Plan - so you can eat Saturday lunch wherever and whenever you want. (If you're taking a pro-guided trip, your outfitter may provide lunch with your trip -- see the Choose an Outdoor Adventure page. You could also plan to eat at a nearby restaurant; info at the Food & Lodging page.

Dance floor & hall: The Recreation Hall ("Rec Hall") is a wood and stone 1930's structure with a great, very smooth 45' X 60' sprung floor; a big stage at one end, big stone fireplace at the other; lots of windows and 4 sets of very wide double doors to keep the hall comfortable. Convenient rest rooms right off the dance area. Cozily but not at all crowded, the hall will hold 140 dancers.

What to bring: Besides the usual stuff, earplugs are always a good idea if you'll be bunking onsite! For what to bring for outdoor activities, see the Choose an Outdoor Adventure page.

Dining Hall: Just down the hill from the Rec Hall, the Dining Hall is another spacious wood/stone 1930's structure with a (functional!) large stone fireplace which we'll light in the evening if requested. Even if you bring your own food, please come eat it here if you like. The Dining Hall is also a nice place to jam and sing anytime: piano available, musicians very welcome!

Local restaurants:
Fayetteville's restaurants are less than 10 minutes away, and will appeal both to vegetarians and carnivores.

Camping/Lodging: There's plenty of level, grassy ground for camping in your car, tent, or RV. We may be able to arrange an electrical hookup if you let us know in advance. Toilets, sinks and showers are in the cabin areas. In addition to the on-site bunks, there's plenty of nearby offsite lodging.

Children: Children who are experienced dancers are welcome at the weekend and on the dance floor. Child care will not be provided.

Where can I get a flyer?

Right here. (Check to make sure flyer is the current year's!) If you'd like to distribute a bunch, just email us with your mailing info, where you'll be putting them, and how many you need and I'll get them to you.

photo: three cabins, Fayette Co. Park