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Whitewater Whirl!
a mini dance vacation in WV's New River Gorge area
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about the weekend/frequently asked questions
(updated 1/10)

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 (many 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 around 4:00 p.m. (If you show up much earlier in the day, check if we still need help decorating the hall -- we'll be there by late morning on Friday.) Dancing typically begins at 8:00 pm and ends at midnight.  

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!

Sunday: Morning is for sleeping in (if you wish), leisurely eating, open waltz, group sing. Late morning into early afternoon comes the final dance, before everyone heads home full of Whirlistic bliss.

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

Can I help distribute flyers to my home dance(s)?
Absolutely, you angel you! Click here, and many, many thanks!

Registrations received:
   before April 12:  adult $80, youth $40
   after April 12: adult $90, youth $45.
   at the gate [weekend]: adult $90, youth $45
   at the gate [per event]: rates TBA

Youth = age 25 or younger on 05/02/2010.

Guest of dancer: FREE admission.  Holder of a guest ticket will not be participating in dances/workshops, but may purchase a meal plan, onsite camping or onsite lodging, and participate in any paid outdoor activity at the same rates as dancers.

Admission at the door will be accommodated only if there is available space.  Single event admission will be accommodated if there is available space. Availability of admission at-the-gate and single event admission will be announced – on the web site and by e-mail - a week prior to the Whirl.

Cancellation policy:

Cancel before April 12: you will receive a full refund.
Cancel before April 26: you will receive a half refund. However, if the weekend reaches full capacity, you can get a full refund.

Meal Plan

Meal Plan purchase at the gate will not be available! 

Harriette Bugel of True Color Cooking is your chef for the weekend, presenting delicious, nutritious meals Friday through Sunday. Meal options will include vegetarian and gluten free meals. Learn more about Harriette at her web site www.TrueColorCooking.com.

Dancer comment from a 2009 contra dance: “I had the opportunity to experienced one of Harriette's meals at a contradance earlier this year. It was amazing what she was able to do with a small budget. The spread layed out over three long tables and every dish was a delight to see (the presentation was half of the enjoyment) and of course, every dish was a pleasure to taste . There was something for everyone to enjoy! Thanks Harriette!”  - Jeff

The meal plan will feature 5 meals, one more than last year. Meals included in the plan are: Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday breakfast and lunch. Vegetarian option is available. The meal plan will cost $50 this year.

Friday night meal option for early arrivers: soup, scones, cheese. Prepay only. This Friday night option is available for $5.

Registrations requesting a meal plan must be received by April 19 so that we can plan.  A limited number of meal plans may be available for purchase at the gate. The cost of a meal plan at the gate will be $60. Availability of meal purchase at the gate will be posted on the web site one week prior to the Whirl.

Dance snacks: Please bring a contribution for the dance snack table. If you do not wish to bring a snack, you may add $5 to your registration to help cover the cost of purchases for the snack table. Last year the snacks were delicious, nutritious and plentiful...let’s make this year even better!

Camping/Lodging

Onsite lodging includes: bunks in cabins at a rate of $ 5 per bunk per night. Also available is camping space at a rate of $ 5 per tent per night. 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.

Within a few miles of Fayette County Park / 4-H Camp many fine bed-and-breakfasts and hotels. See Offsite Food and Lodging page.

Volunteers

40 hours volunteer work are available for the weekend. Several work options - 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours shifts – are available.  When you register, request a volunteer discount, and specify the number of hours you wish to work.  We will try to accommodate all volunteer requests until we fill the total of 40 hours needed help.

Volunteers will pay the total registration fee in advance. At the completion of the weekend and of your volunteer work, a portion of your registration will be refunded at a rate of $10 per volunteer hour completed.

Payment

Registrations can be paid for by personal check or by credit card.  Credit card payment are processed via PayPal. The registration form contains instructions for sending checks or supplying credit card information.

Tours

Fayette County, West Virginia has some fantastic outdoor recreation opportunities -- hiking, biking, rafting, rock climbing, and more. If you will be participating in a pro-guided (paid) activity—such as whitewater rafting—contact the outfitter and book your trip. See Choose an Outdoor Adventure page. For the Treetops Canopy Tour (info follows), you must first indicate interest by emailing us to get the group rate!

A new adventure has been added to the area: The TreeTops Canopy Tour is a world class full canopy tour program designed by international leader Bonsai Designs. The course is located at a newly expanded adventure resort: home to Class VI-Mountain River and Rivermen.  This half day adventure includes 10 Ziplines, 5 Sky Bridges, 1 Rappel, and 3 Short Hikes. Spend 3 1/2 hours in the old growth hemlock and hardwoods forest of pristine Mill Creek Canyon, immediately adjacent to the awe-inspiring New River Gorge. The longest zip is 730 feet and reaches speeds of about 35 mph. Several dancers had a great time on this tour last year!

The Whirl has obtained a group rate for the Canopy Tour,  $95 per person. This is a savings of $20 from the regular rate.  We must assemble groups of 6 or 8 to get the group rate.  Tours book to capacity, so reserve by 03/30. See information and a video at www.NewRiverGorgeCanopyTour.com.

If you are interested in the canopy tour, please let us know by return e-mail so that we can estimate possible participation in this activity. If we have enough responses for a group tour, we will request setup groups with the outfitter.  For group rates, we have to send advance money to the outfitter. The outfitter does not refund cancellations. Therefore we can not give refunds – unless someone takes your place – if you cancel.

FREE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES - Lots to do! Check it out on the Outdoor Adventure 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' floor over joists; 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. Probably the most well-ventilated hall you've ever danced in! Convenient rest rooms right off the dance area. Cozily but not at all crowded, the hall will hold 170 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!

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

photo: three cabins, Fayette Co. Park