Sierra Swing will be held this year at the Armenian Church Camp, located just an hour east of Fresno, California, near Kings Canyon National Park, famous for its grove of the largest sequoias in the world. The modern, comfortable camp features 160 acres of spectacular scenery, with easy access to secluded hiking and wilderness. Next to the outdoor dance pavilion is an inviting lake for sun-bathing, canoeing, and clothing-optional swimming. Comfortable cabins are clustered on a nearby hill, and camping sites are available.
Sierra Swing is a unique dance week. In addition to a solid core of contra dancing and high energy square dances, there are workshops in various forms of couple dancing and partnering skills. This year's program features zydeco/creole dancing, with additional workshops in clogging, and dance calling. Zydeco instruction is offered at beginning and intermediate levels, and introductory instruction is available for all the dance forms. The distinguished staff of multi-talented instructors and musicians will no doubt offer some surprise workshops as well. A daily dance party at the lakeside pavilion before dinner provides a chance to do some less structured dancing to a variety of rock and roll, swing, and party music. All dancing and teaching is done to live music, and watching how the staff and camper musicians interact and create new sounds is part of the magic of camp.
Another feature that sets Sierra Swing apart is a strong offering of workshops that build musical skills, with band and instrument workshops for musicians, as well as vocal and rhythm workshops for people who have never played music before. The supportive staff and relaxing environment of camp make it safe and fun to try new challenges, and everything you learn about music helps make you a better dancer.
One of the highlights of Sierra Swing is the Casbah, a canopied oasis of Oriental rugs, exotic fabrics and comfy pillows where you can recline luxuriously and enjoy a hot or cold espresso treat or other refreshing beverages, served by the inimitable Casbah Queens, engage in quiet reading or cosmic conversation or play a board game while listening to the strains of music wafting from the adjacent dance hall.
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