Super Fun Dance Camp 2018 Recap

​This past weekend I had the pleasure to attend one of my favorite dance events in New York state, Super Fun Dance Camp! Surprise Lake Camp in Cold Spring, NY becomes a meeting ground for dancers and musicians twice a year. It's only about an hour up from NYC and about 3 hours from Albany. 

​While most of the dancers commute from all over New York state, like moi, some dancers drive in from surrounding states like Connecticut and Vermont. Some of my good friends even fly up from Florida for the event!

For good reason too--the event brings in big name dance teachers like this year's stellar lineup; JILL PARKER, Bagoas, Kaeshi Chai, Alice Giampieri, Johanna Xenobia, and of course camp counselor Mimi Fontana of Manhattan Tribal. ​

Myself & the amazing Bagoas being super shiny!

Most days start out with gentle yoga with Johanna followed by much needed coffee and breakfast. Then it's off to workshops! I learned fun choreographies, worked on shimmy drills, learned new ways breath can enhance my dance, and even tried some beat boxing! Depending on the type of workshop, class usually run about an hour or two. 
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After your first class, pop into the Dining Hall for lunch and gear up for your long afternoon. Usually there are two dance workshops (four hours total) between lunch and dinner or 2-3 music based workshops. In any "down-time" you might have you are encouraged to explore the hiking trails around camp. After dinner there is often group activities such as smores and a campfire by the lake or haflas (think dance parties) in the "Moose Room". ​

Action shot by Mimi Fontana

Of course any dance camp wouldn't be complete without a performance! Friday night we were once again wowed by the Fire Foxes--Fire dancing lead by the one and only Johanna. Then enjoy a big show on Saturday night, complete with LIVE music in an intimate setting. Read that as Bogoas singing while Casey Bond and Carmine T. Guida play the doumbek and oud as Alice Giampieri dances a mere 3 feet in front of you. So good. <3

So will I be back next year? But of course! 

Not only do I love the classes, teachers, campgrounds, location, etc.... THE PEOPLE are what I already miss. You make so many lasting friends here. These people rock--like party until 2 AM and still make it to yoga in the morning together people. ​

Group Photo by Jim Casler

​This is one of those places where you can truly be yourself--your crazy amazing funky self. Dress up, dress down and do it all. 

See you at camp next year, friends.
​- Jenn Rose