Registration Is Open!

WHO? You!

All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Experienced dancers/musicians & absolute beginners, young & old, straight & queer, from any land.

WHAT?

A fun filled weekend of dancing, music, workshops, crafts and social time. There are many dance sessions, some contra, some English Country (ECD) and some other forms of dance. Plus various special workshops including music, crafts, board games, etc. run by staff and campers.

WHEN:

Friday Sept. 26 - Sunday Sept. 28, 2025

Camp starts Friday evening with 2 sessions of contra and English Country Dancing and runs through Sunday early afternoon

WHERE

At Camp Cavell, located on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron, 30 miles north of Port Huron, MI

Stroll along the beach, go on a nature walk, rest on the porch and watch the sailboats & freighters pass by on the lake

Play music, sing, make with new friends or connect with long time friends.

WHY A RESIDENTIAL CAMP?

We know camps are growing more expensive

Residential camps offer great value and tremendous opportunities for building community all while dancing, eating together, singing, and playing your way through a beautiful weekend.

Sit on the porch and relax watching the sail boats and freighters pass by. Enjoy jamming with new and long standing friends by the campfire or on in the pavilion overlooking the lake.

No need to find restaurants, pack large coolers or live on snacks. Meals and snacks are provided Friday evening potluck through Sunday lunch.

Click for Bios

Headline Callers

Darlene Underwood

Contas and Squares

Joanna Reiner Wilkinson

English Country

Headline Musicians

Sister Haggis:

Jane Knoeck and Eileen Kalfass

Jane Knoeck

Piano

Eileen Kalfass

fiddle

And, as always, we bring you many fine Michigan and regional musicians,

callers and workshop leaders

MDH Fall Dance Camp 2025 Weekend is supported by a generous grant from Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance

Registration

2025 Registration Fee

  • Registration includes meals, housing, & programming

  • MDH is a non-profit organization and we aim to keep costs as low as possible

  • The actual per person cost of camp in 2025 is $335

  • This year we are offering a sliding scale fee $185 - $400

    • Additional fee levels offer the opportunity, for those who can, to support others to come and enjoy the wonders of camp

      • Supporter - $435 (cost + $100) *Name listed on poster at camp

      • Patrons - $535 (cost + $200) *Supporter plus name on schedule at camp

      • Musician Circle - $1035 (cost + $700) *Patron plus name announced at camp

      • Caller Circle - $1335 (cost +$1000) *Musician Circle plus name listed on website for 12 months

      • Additional donations toward MDH Fall Dance Camp are always welcome and can be made through this website.

  • If you want to come to camp, we want you there! contact us at: michigandanceheritage@gmail.com

  • Registration closes on September 1, 2025

  • Each participant will be asked to perform one camper job (30 minutes or less). Sign-up at registration table upon arrival.

  • Camper Information letter will be posted and emailed closer to the event.

  • Scholarships may be available through the following

    • AACTMAD

    • Wheatland Music

    • MDH, Inc.

  • If you would like to register by mail, please use this form: Registration Flyer

Lodging

  • Heated dorms, for about 5-8 people each, are available as women-only, men-only, and any gender. Add preferences on registration form.

  • Hot showers and toilets are in each cabin

  • Tent and RV sites are also available (some electric available) - Note: no discounted rate for these housing arrangements

Meals

  • Meals and snack foods are provided beginning with a pot luck Friday evening before dancing begins.

  • Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner provided

  • Sunday breakfast and lunch provided

COVID-19 Policy

  • Vaccinations and boosters are strongly encouraged, but not required.

  • Rapid tests are required to be performed upon arrival to camp (these will not be provided for you).

  • Questions regarding the COVID-19 policy and contact tracing can be directed to mbean@emich.edu.

Questions?

email: michigandanceheritage@gmail.com

Contra, English Country Dance & More

At Camp Cavell, located on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron, dancers of all ages gather to enjoy the rhythmic delights of contra and English country dancing. Contra dancing, with its lively, energetic movements, brings dancers together in a vibrant display of community and connection. The infectious music, played by talented live bands, fills the air and inspires joyous footwork and intricate patterns. Meanwhile, English country dancing, characterized by its graceful and elegant movements (although can be quite energetic!), offers an enchanting experience of tradition and connection. As dancers weave and twirl with precision, the melodies of fiddles, guitars, and pianos transport participants to a bygone era. Together, these dances and the lively music create an atmosphere of merriment and camaraderie at Camp Cavell, where dancers can revel in the rich heritage and joy of these timeless art forms.