Dance Camp 2026
Friday, May 22nd - Monday, May 25th
King’s Lake Camp in Wasilla, Alaska
Join us at beautiful King’s Lake Camp in Wasilla, Alaska with guest callers Lisa Greenleaf and Michael Karcher and guest musicians Supertrad (Sam Bartlett, Eric Schedler, and Tadhg O’Meachair) and Steam Machine (AJ Srubas, Rina Rossi, Sam Bartlett, and Abby Ladin). And as usual, our wonderful Alaskan musicians and dance instructors will fill the rest of your dance weekend. We are lining up great playshops and entertainment, with something for everyone!
Please review our COVID-19 policy. Campers are strongly encouraged to test prior to arrival at camp. Vaccination and masks are supported but not required.
Table of Contents
Dance Camp Guest Artists
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 and communication 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.
Michael Karcher
Michael has been having the time of his life calling dances and weekends around North America since 2011. He has honed a warm and concise style of teaching and calling, to the delight of dancers across the continent.
Supertrad
Sam Bartlett, Eric Schedler, and Tadhg O’Meachair are a tour de force of traditional dance music and among the finest and most versatile trios in the contra dancing ecosystem. They are steeped in Trad, but also writing their own tunes, playing with an emotion, groove, and persistence that is timeless. Supertrad has left thousands of dancers across the United States happy and tired. You’re going to love them, too!
Sam Bartlett
Sam grew up in the community dance world of rural Vermont and was an early member of Wild Asparagus and the Clayfoot Strutters, two bands that reshaped the sound of contra dance music in their day. He has played for contra and square dances for the past 40 years, and his original music has been profiled by NPR’s All Things Considered.
Eric Schedler
As an Oberlin Conservatory harpsichordist, Eric has parlayed his classical music discipline into a dazzling, virtuosic accordion style.
Tadhg O’Meachair
Tadhg grew up in an Irish speaking household in Dublin. He is an All-Ireland piano champion and founder-member of the multi-award winning bands Goitse and One for the Foxes. Tadhg has toured extensively across four continents, performing in venues ranging from Beijing's National Centre for the Performing Arts to the Milwaukee Irish Fest, and from the Music Crossroads Festival in Zambia to the National Concert Hall of Ireland as guest artist with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.
Steam Machine
Originally formed in Minneapolis in 2017, Steam Machine brought to the national stage a midwest influenced string band aesthetic that didn’t draw such hard lines between bluegrass and old time music. Two time Appalachian String Band Music Festival (Clifftop) Traditional Band Contest finalists and Folk Alliance Midwest Official Showcase Artists, since 2018 they have been performing at diverse venues from roots music hubs to bluegrass and Americana festivals, and teaching workshops at traditional music epicenters across the country from the Augusta Heritage Center (WV) to Festival of American Fiddle Tunes (WA), collecting ribbons along the way. At home in Minneapolis, they are heavily involved as organizers in many of the local community old time and bluegrass institutions. While not purists, Steam Machine does listen closely to the “old stuff” and strives to capture the essence of what makes these tunes and songs special, as they hear it. The project continues to be an evolving vehicle for playing music they love and honoring the brilliance left behind by musical heroes like Lyman Enloe, Cyril Stinnett, and more. In 2018, they released their first album, self-titled Steam Machine. In spring 2023, AJ and Rina released a duo project, Sweet Bunch of Daisies. Both releases are available on bandcamp. A new full band record is in the works.
AJ Srubas
AJ grew up near Green Bay, born into a musical family. He latched on to the fiddle at age 10 after experimenting with the many instruments around his house. AJ has won ribbons five times in both fiddle and band competitions at the Appalachian String Band MusicFestival in Clifftop, West Virginia – one the country’s premier old-time events. A versatile player and teacher, AJ has performed and taught fiddle workshops at renowned traditional music cultural centers such as the Augusta Heritage Center (WV), Festival of American Fiddle Tunes (WA), American Fiddle Method Camp (MN), Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association events, Minnesota State Fiddlers Association events, the Berkeley Old Time Music Convention (CA), Austin Stringband Festival (TX) and many more. He taught at the Center for Irish Music (MN) for many years and continues to teach private lessons and play fiddle and pedal steel with a variety of bands.
Rina Rossi
Rina grew up in Ann Arbor, immersed in the folk and traditional dance scene. She grew up listening to old time and bluegrass on the radio and at festivals, and decided to take up the fiddle at age 17. She moved to the Twin Cities at 18 and in 2006 she auditioned for the Wild Goose Chase Cloggers, touring regionally and internationally with the group for 10 years as a dancer and then as a fiddler. Through the cloggers, she became very involved with the vibrant midwest old-time scene, organizing the Moosejaw Old Time Music & Dance Weekend, serving on the Board of the Bluff Country Gathering and coordinating old-time music and dance activities for Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association festivals. A regular square dance caller at the Monday Night Square Dance in Minneapolis, she has called dances at old-time events around the country and world. Rina has taught at a variety of respected traditional music institutions, teaching clogging, square dance calling, bass, old time guitar, and fiddle workshops. In 2025 she founded the Twin Town Old Time Music Festival, which sold out in its inaugural year.
Abby Ladin
Abby Ladin was raised on social, folk and percussive dance from North America, the UK and Eastern Europe, and by age 18 was touring nationally with the Ohio-based dance and music company, Rhythm In Shoes. For over 30 years Abby has collaborated with choreographers, composers, dancers, musicians (and aerialists!) on multimodal performance projects. Abby instructs children and adults at events across the US, and is known for her inclusive and accessible teaching style.
and Sam Bartlett…
… is also playing with Steam Machine!
Camp location and Accomodations
Timing: Dance camp starts Friday evening, May 22nd, 2026, with check-in beginning at 3:00 PM. A light dinner will be served for all campers 6:00 – 7:30 PM, and the Friday evening dance will begin at 8:00 PM. The farewell dance on Monday, May 25th, will end at 3:30 PM.
Location: King’s Lake Camp is located at 3313 E Lakeview Road, Wasilla, AK 99654. The turnoff is on Lakeview Road between East Seldon Road and North Kings Ridge Circle. The camp has a beautiful view of Pioneer Peak across the lake. We dance on a wonderful rustic wooden floor.
Cell service is limited at camp, so save or print directions in advance.
Delicious meals: We are excited to welcome Joe Hardenbrook and his team from HARD Eats to Dance Camp 2026! Based in Fairbanks, HARD Eats has twenty years of experience bringing a diverse menu to events and communities throughout Alaska. The chefs will plan the menu to accommodate basic dietary preferences. The menu will be available here prior to camp.
If you have specific requirements, we suggest you bring food items to support your needs. There is limited space in the dancing hall kitchen’s refrigerator for your shared use, as well as a microwave oven.
Accommodations: Campers can choose to sleep in rustic, shared cabins or in their personal tents or RVs. Cabins are outfitted with bunks and mattresses. Some have electricity and heating. Cabin space is available on a first-come, first-claim basis. Come prepared for possible cold nights. As campers arrive, women-only and family cabins will be designated according to demand. Sleeping bags and pillows are not provided. There are heated bathhouses with hot water. Bring your own towels and toiletries. For more packing suggestions, see our packing list.
A Lifeguard will be on duty at various times throughout the weekend.
Absolutely no pets, unregistered guests, or alcohol are allowed at King’s Lake Camp, not even in the parking lot.
Registration and Fees
Getting into Camp: There are 140 adult openings at camp, so we encourage you to register early.
Ticket costs: Tickets to Dance Camp are $350; discounted tickets are available for young dancers and scholarship dancers ($0 - $250). The full-price ticket covers the full costs of dances, workshops, nine meals (Friday dinner through Monday lunch), and lodging. Registration is for the entire weekend only.
Approximate Dance Camp costs per attendee
Confirmation and waitlist: When you buy a ticket to dance camp, you will receive a confirmation letter and camp information by email. If there are no tickets left, you can join the waitlist, and we will notify you if a spot opens up.
Cancellation: Registrations are non-transferable. If you need to cancel, we will offer your spot to the first person on the waitlist. Your registration fee may be refunded, minus a cancellation fee, depending on the timing of your cancellation: $30 if canceled by April 30, $70 if canceled between May 1 and May 15, and no refunds will be issued for cancellations after May 15. However, if your cancellation is due to illness or extraordinary circumstances, we may consider a refund.
If Dancing Bears cancels Dance Camp due to a natural disaster, war, pandemic, or other unanticipated event, we will reimburse our partners (caterer, facility owner, etc.) for costs incurred and return the remaining funds to registrants.
Scholarships
Scholarships: Bears on a tight budget who are willing to give time and effort may apply for a scholarship. In exchange for approximately seven hours of work (in the kitchen, washing dishes, etc.), you may attend camp for half the registration fee ($175).
Important guidelines: Confirmation of your scholarship position is required before you can register for a scholarship ticket. Scholarship acceptance does not guarantee you will get into Camp. Register immediately - scholarships are awarded on a first-come first-served basis."
Kids and families
We are excited to welcome kids to camp and include the next generation in our community! If you are planning to be a guardian for a friend’s child at camp, please complete and notarize the following document and bring it to camp.
Guidelines for Families
Some families bring full-time caregivers for young children. Non-dancing caregivers may attend Camp for a reduced cost. Childcare is not provided. Caregivers are responsible for supervising children at all times.
Each evening will start with two all-ages dances; after that, callers will move on to dances designed for experienced dancers. Front packs or “snugglies” that are soft are welcome on the dance floor.
Lake activities are at the discretion of the parents; children may not venture near or in the water unless a caregiver is physically present. Please bring a personal flotation device for any child that will be playing on the dock or on or in the lake.
Toys and clothing should have name tags, and toys should be removed from commons spaces after use.
Unregistered guests are not allowed at camp.
Dance Camp COVID-19 Policy
Looking out for each other comes first
All campers are strongly encouraged to test for COVID-19 prior to joining the Thursday Dance and Dance Camp. A small number of tests will be available at check in.
We encourage all campers to get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine at least two weeks prior to camp. Dancing is a close-contact, aerobic activity. The vaccine reduces the risk of infection and severe symptoms. Vaccination supports members of our community who are at high risk for complications of COVID-19.
Masking will be supported. Please bring a mask in case you develop symptoms.
We encourage hand washing before and after dancing.
Campers who have cold or flu symptoms or who test positive for COVID-19 should not attend camp. If you test positive just prior to Dance Camp, please contact akdancingbears@gmail.com to arrange a refund.
If you attend any of the events and subsequently test positive for COVID within five days, please email akdancingbears@gmail.com so we can inform other participants in a timely way.
In addition:
We recommend that folks tighten their exposure circle in the days before camp.
We encourage you to wear a mask while at airports and while on the plane.
If you leave the grounds during camp, please be considerate of your community and practice precautions.
You will be asked to acknowledge you have read and accepted this policy when you register.
Camp rules! Yes it does!
And here are some we need to follow...
The Salvation Army requires that the Dance Camp Community abides by the following rules:
Keep King’s Lake Camp facilities and buildings alcohol-free and drug-free, including a tobacco-free and smoke-free environment - no smoking in the cabins.
Pets are not allowed in camp, not even in your car or RV.
The speed limit is 5 mph on the Camp Road.
Do not drive beyond the gates. No parking is allowed at the cabins. Cars are to be parked in the designated parking area only.
Fire lanes cannot be blocked at any time.
The use of firearms, BB guns, slingshots, bows & arrows (anything that shoots projectiles) and fireworks is prohibited. Don’t bring them.
Don’t harass the wildlife.
All cabin users will sweep and clean their cabins prior to leaving.
Any water activity, such as swimming or boating, is done at the individual’s own risk. Personal flotation devices are required for all boaters and all children playing on or in the lake.
Dance Camp Auction
As you are doing your spring cleaning this year be sure to save the good stuff for the Dance Camp Auction! We are looking for unique, unusual, divine, one-of-a-kind items that will create a bidding frenzy and raise money for Dancing Bears!
Even if you are not going to camp this year, you can offer items for the auction.
Many of us are getting to a stage in life where we have enough stuff but may be needing a little help with things that are outside our skill set. In addition to the great gems you’re bringing to camp for the Auction, here are some ideas that you may be especially gifted to offer!
Specialized services
Legal, Electrician, Plumber, Massage, Computer lesson/assistance, Set up your new TV, Genealogy, Music lessons
Household help
Handyperson/odd jobs/minor home repair, Help cleaning garage/basement/shed, Deep clean refrigerator, Lawn mowing, Snow shoveling/snow blowing, Raking, Weeding, Planting, “Marie Condo” your closets or drawers, Wash/detail car, Tire changeover, Bike tune up, Lawnmower tune up/blade sharpening
Crafts How-to
Knit, Sew, Crochet, Scrapbook, Bead, Arrange flowers, Calligraphy, Braid hair
Outdoor adventure
Canoeing on local lake, Try out my fat tire bike, Birding, Fly a kite, Fishing lesson
Food
Fresh eggs one time only or once a month, Cookies/bread, baked goods/soup - one time only or once a month, Basket of fresh lettuce/berries/veggies from your garden
Made-to-order items
Knitted hats, mittens, felted slippers, etc., Dance skirt, Wood handcrafted coat rack, etc., Hand sewn gear, Baked goods
Other
Take a load to the dump, Water your garden while you’re out of town, Ride to/from airport, Pet Sitting, Dog walking, Feed your chickens, Hem your pants/skirt/etc., Fresh flowers from your garden
Decadent Desserts
You can also contribute to the Dancing Bears by donating and/or buying Decadent Desserts during the weekend. An assortment of donated treats (baked goods, mixed nuts, dried fruits, etc.) will be available each evening in the dance hall. You can record "purchased" treats on a tally sheet that will be totaled up at the end of camp.
Even if you're not able to join us for camp, you can still send Decadent Dessert donations with other campers. Pre-portioned items are appreciated. Don't feel constrained by the label "Decadent Desserts" - hungry dancers love sweet, savory, and salty treats!