We take pride in fostering an exceptionally welcoming environment. Once you arrive, you will receive a welcome packet, have volunteers available to guide you to the cafeteria and dance hall and to ensure ensure a warm introduction to KDI’s hospitality. Attendees, both staff and fellow campers, are committed to ensuring every newcomer experiences the magic of KDI.  You can find details of an example day at camp here.

KDI spans 7 days and 6 nights, officially commencing on Sunday with check-in at 1 PM EST and concluding on the following Saturday morning after breakfast.

Note: Over half of the camp attendees opt to arrive a day early on Saturday afternoon to extend the socializing!  (you can find that option on the registration form)

KDI is hosted on the picturesque Murray State University campus in Murray, Kentucky. Although the specific buildings we use may change annually depending on availability, rest assured that all facilities are conveniently situated within walking distance of each other, ensuring easy navigation and accessibility for all attendees.

We’re fortunate to boast a diverse age range among our attendees, which sets us apart from many other folk dance camps and weekends. For instance, in a 100-person camp, we typically see a balanced distribution across each decade of life, from under 10 to over 80. This variety in age contributes to the youthful spirit that permeates our camp community, enriching our experiences and fostering connections across generations.

Children and grandchildren are welcome to join the camp, but they must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Over the past five decades, we’ve witnessed the successful cultivation of young folk dancers through their participation in folk dancing from an early age.

Rather than organizing separate activities exclusively for children, we actively encourage their involvement in the dancing sessions. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of normalcy around dancing as part of everyday life. With a considerable number of young attendees, children enjoy both leisure activities and dancing alongside their peers, family, and other camp participants. Typically, children begin dancing independently around the age of six.

KDI operates as a non-profit organization. The funds collected are primarily allocated towards covering camp expenses. Any surplus funds are directed towards initiatives such as offering scholarships, promoting folk dancing, or investing in the long-term development of the camp to ensure its sustainability and growth.

Not at all. Approximately 10% of our attendees are new to dancing, and our instructors are experienced in teaching newcomers. Welcoming beginners is part of our folk dance tradition. If you can walk, we can guide you through the steps.

At KDI, inclusivity extends to the variety of dances taught each year. Our dance offerings vary annually based on the attending instructors. Typically, we feature an instructor for international dances and another for square dancing plus instructors who specialize in a particular dance style such as Israeli, Turkish, Spanish, English Country, Contra, Irish, and more. Some years, we may include Clogging, Ballroom, or Swing. Essentially, we embrace diverse dance forms and prioritize enjoyment above all else.

Our primary aim is to ensure everyone has a blast, and our instructor selection process reflects this goal. Typically, instructors begin the week with simpler dances, gradually increasing complexity as the week progresses. Generally, participants can engage in nearly all dances, catering to varying energy levels and pacing preferences.

While we strive to maintain the authenticity of each dance’s steps and forms, our foremost priority is ensuring everyone enjoys themselves. If a step is slightly off or a move isn’t executed precisely, it’s all part of the fun—we’re here to have a great time together.

No, it’s not. A significant portion of our camp attendees come solo. Simply be friendly, courteous, and respectful, and you’ll find plenty of people to dance with.

The instructors are always available to assist and if you feel comfortable, feel free to ask a fellow dancer.  The camp fosters a relaxed, fun approach to dancing where there are always plenty of people to offer assistance.

For navigation, use the main address: Murray State University, 102 Curris Center, Murray, KY 42071.

Please note that the specific dormitory we utilize may vary from year to year, but it’s always conveniently located within walking distance of the Curris Center. Prior to camp, you’ll receive an email containing the precise address for check-in. Once you’re nearing the campus, you’ll also spot orange signs to assist you in finding your way. During the check-in process, you’ll be provided with a campus map to aid in navigation.

If you need further assistance upon arrival, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dawn at 502-500-5187, and she’ll be happy to help guide you to the correct building.

Here are some written directions for those without navigation apps.

Directions From Memphis
If you are driving in from Memphis, it is about a 3 hour drive, coming out of Memphis take I-40 E toward Nashville, merge onto US-45 N/ TN-43 N toward Milan. Turn right onto E Van Hook St / US-70 ALT / US-79 / TN-76, continue to follow US-79N / TN-76N for 13.4 miles, Turn left on US-641 N, “Veterans Dr” / TN-69 N “General Clifton B Cates Memorial HWY. Continue to follow US-641 N, crossing into KY. Turn left onto Chestnut. Then turn right on Waldrop and Clark Hall will be on your right. Once you get close, there will be orange signs to help direct you.

Directions From Louisville
For those driving from Louisville, drive south on I-65 to E’Town, head west on WKP to the end of the Parkway where it merges with I-24 , Take I-24 north toward Paducah, go 14 miles to the Purchase Parkway, Go south on Purchase Parkway towards Fulton/ Mayfield and Murray. After about 8 miles just past the Benton exit, take the Murray exit on RT 641 south. Go another 17 miles which will bring you into Murray. The 3rd stop light, (at least that is what it was last year) will be Chestnut, turn right on Chestnut. Then turn right on Waldrop and Clark Hall will be on your right. Once you get close, there will be orange signs to help direct you.

Directions From Paducah
If driving south out of Paducah, drive south on I-24 to the Purchase Parkway, turn west and follow the directions above when coming from Louisville.

Directions From Evansville
If driving from Evansville, drive south on I-40 to the WKP turn west on WKP and follow the directions in the previous paragraph.

The attire for camp is relaxed and casual. Murray’s summer weather tends to be warm, so shorts are commonly worn during the day.  For the evening dances, there isn’t a dress code, and participants are encouraged to wear attire that makes them feel comfortable and confident. Long pants and dresses are popular choices, but everyone is welcome to dress as they prefer.

Throughout the week, we have themed nights to add some fun to the festivities.
• Monday is Orange and Black night, celebrating our camp colors.
• Tuesday’s theme varies each year, and you’ll receive an email beforehand with the details.
• Thursday is Kentucky Night, a beloved tradition where we encourage dressing as if you’re from Kentucky (frequently hill-billy style).
• Friday is Dress up Night, an opportunity to showcase your finest attire, including ethnic and cultural dresses from around the world.

As temperatures can drop in the dorms and dance hall when not dancing, it’s wise to pack a jacket or sweatshirt. When it comes to footwear, comfortable non-marking shoes are recommended, with options ranging from dance shoes to tennis shoes. If you prefer, dance socks that slide over tennis shoes can be used to aid pivoting. Just remember, it’s best to avoid breaking in new shoes during a dance camp to prevent sore feet.

Yes, absolutely. We welcome companions who may choose to either accompany their friends during camp activities or pursue their own interests in the surrounding area, such as camping.

Absolutely! All are welcome to join us for any part of the camp although only one or two people each year choose this option. We can adjust the camp cost based on the duration of your stay. While we recommend attending the first part of camp to learn the dances, joining later in the week is also possible. However, please note that some dances progress throughout the week, so jumping in later may be a bit challenging. Nevertheless, it’s been done before, and we’d love to have you join us. Please reach out to Dawn in advance to discuss the details so we can provide accurate information regarding lodging, meals, insurance, etc.

Certainly! If you need to make any changes to your registration, just get in touch with Dawn, and we’ll work out the details together.

If you need to cancel, we can offer a refund minus the initial deposit. Alternatively, if you plan on attending next year instead, we can transfer your deposit to reserve your spot for the following year.

Yes, you can bring a nanny or care giver. In the past, both have accompanied attendees. Sometimes, parents even collaborate to cover the cost of hiring a Nanny. If they require lodging or will be dining with us, please consult Dawn to determine the associated expenses.

If you have any special dietary needs, mobility requirements, or other accommodations, please let us know during the registration process. We will do our best to accommodate your needs and ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience at the camp.

Internet access is available in each building on campus via WiFi.

Attendance at classes is flexible—you can choose to attend as many or as few as you like. However, some instructors’ dances progressively build upon earlier lessons throughout the week. For these classes, we recommend attending all sessions with that instructor for continuity. Squares is an example of such a class. Further details can be obtained from each instructor during camp upon request.

The schedule for each day and the overall structure of the week are comprehensive topics. However, we’ve got you covered with detailed information available on our “Life At Camp” page.

Smoking is not permitted on the Murray State University campus, as it is a tobacco-free environment. Consequently, there are no designated smoking areas provided by the university. Enforcement of the smoking policy outside is managed by the campus.

Parking is abundant around the dormitories and the dance hall, especially since school is not in session during the summer.

Yes, Murray State’s facilities are accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. Ramps and elevators are available in all buildings, and designated parking spots are provided for those with disabilities. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

At our camp, we may capture some wonderful moments through photographs and videos. By participating, you agree that we may use these visuals for various purposes, such as sharing the joy of our camp experiences with others. Your consent to this is greatly appreciated and helps us create a vibrant community atmosphere. Full details are provided in the waiver during online registration.

We foster a sense of friendship, family and mutual support among all participants. We kindly request that everyone respect each other, refrain from disruptive behavior during classes and dances, and follow any guidelines or instructions provided by camp staff.

We prioritize the health and safety of all attendees. While we don’t have trained medical staff onsite, we have procedures in place to handle emergencies promptly. In the event of an emergency, we would contact emergency services, such as 911, and there is a nearby hospital for medical assistance.