Life at Camp

KDI has a warm culture filled with lots of hugs and warm welcomes. We dance most of the day, offer a theme for many of the evening dances and like to play games and socialize at afterparties. Here’s what you can expect when attending camp.

 

Sample Schedule

Sunday (Day 1)

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1:00pm – 4:00pm

Dorm

Check-In!

You will be greeted by a few lovely ladies to assist with your check-in. You will receive the following materials from the KDI staff and from the University.  If you are going to miss check-in, just let us know ahead of time so we can ensure you get checked-in smoothly.

  • Room keys
  • Meal card
  • New person book – This book covers some of the basics of dance instructions, terminology and some of the standard dances that are always taught at KDI.
  • Parking Pass
  • Map showing the locations of the dorm, cafeteria and dance hall.
  • Linens (If previous requested) – includes freshly laundered sheets, pillow cases and a towel.
  • A KDI badge and your choice of lanyard/pin/clip.
  • WiFi ID & Password
  • Dance Syllabus – A book that lists dance instructions for the dances to be taught at camp.  The book’s purpose is to provide a reference to help you remember the dances when you go back home. The camps finalized schedule is printed on the back cover.
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4:30pm – 6:00pm

University Cafeteria

Dinner

Dinner usually runs from 4:30 to 6pm.  We typically take the short walk over in small groups and would love it if you would sit with us so we can get to know you.  You will swipe your meal card.  While you only get one entre at a time, you can go back as many times as you wish.

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7:00pm – 10:00pm

Curris Ballroom

Opening Dance

The evening dance normally starts at 7pm and is held at the Curris center ballroom just down the street from the dorm.  It will open with a few simple dances that can be learned without instruction, followed by each instructor teaching a new simple dance to the camp.  Each instructor takes a turn as the evening progresses.  Expects lots of hugs, laughter and a few kids and strollers around.

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10:30pm – Midnight

Dorm

After Party

If you’re up to it, after the dance everyone heads back to the dorm where an get-to-know-you party is held with a game or two and refreshments.

Need a Hand?

    We got you

Each person new to the camp has a volunteer buddy to help answer questions and ensure you have a great time at camp! We select buddies from a comparable age group to help you get acclimated at camp.  Don’t know how to find the cafeteria? Want to know more about the evening dance or just looking for the restroom?  We’ve got you.

Monday – Friday (Day 2 – 6)

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7:00am – 9:00am

University Cafeteria

Breakfast

We have early risers and last minute eaters at camp.  Whether you want a full hot breakfast or just to grab a banana for quick bite, we’ve got you covered.

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8:30am – 11:45am

Curris Ballroom

Morning Classes

We normally offer 2-3 classes in the morning depending on the instructor lineup each year.  Each class runs about an hour with a 10-15 minute break between classes.  You can see which nationality of dances are being taught each year by looking at the teachers page.

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11:00am – 1:30pm

university cafeteria

Lunch

While the menu varies from year to year, we request a variety of entrées to be served.  If you have any special dietary needs, please let us know upon registration so we can pass it on to the University.

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1:00pm – 4:30pm

Curris Ballroom

Afternoon Classes

Afternoon classes continue the learning of new dances with 3-4 additional classes. Some days will include instruction on a few KDI traditions.  Both the KY Running Set, a faster paced Southern Appalachian mountain dance, and Likrat Shabat, an israeli dance adapted for children performed by candlelight are wonderful dances meant to be enjoyed by dancers of all ages.

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4:30pm – 6:00pm

university cafeteria

Evening Meal

While the menu varies from year to year, we request a variety of entrées to be served.  If you have any special dietary needs, please let us know upon registration so we can pass it on to the University.

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7:00pm – 10:00pm

Curris Ballroom

Evening Dance

Each nights Evening Dance will start out with warm-up dances which are very simple and don’t need instruction; usually just a few steps to the whole dance.  The rest of the evening will rotate through the dances each instructor has taught throughout the day.

Over the years, each night has adopted a theme:

  • Monday is Initiation night. Don’t stress, our initiation is a small fun ceremony fit for all ages. You’re with friends, it’s just our tradition to welcome you into the fold. Everyone will be wearing orange and black. If you don’t have anything orange, just ask, we always bring extra.
  • Tuesday’s night’s theme is different every year. In the past its been everything from an old fashioned ballroom dance, 70’s night, to super heroes. The camp votes for what the theme will be each year.
  • Wednesday is for the Scholarship Auction. Before the dance we will auction off items brought by the camp to attendees to raise money for the fund that helps bring dancers in need to camp. Dress regular casual dance attire.
  • Thursday is Kentucky Night. Dress as if you were from Kentucky. You will see a lot of blue jeans, overalls, straw hats and freckles.
  • Friday is dress up night. Expect nice dresses and ethnic costumes. It’s a beautiful sight.
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10:30pm – ???

DORM

Afterparties

Many at camp forgo a full night’s sleep for the opportunity to spend more time together.  Those willing, gather at the dorm in one of the rec rooms for several more hours of fun, conversation and games. For a good portion of the camp, this is one of the highlights of the day and they wouldn’t miss it for the world

Sunday night features a get-to-know you party and Monday night we all go to a local pizza place for some good food and conversation.  (your dime on this one)

What to Bring

  • Sheets and pillow cases & towels (unless you marked on your registration that you wanted the university to provide them)
  • Pillows & a blanket. (The university does not provide pillows & blankets.)
  • Toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner etc.) and a bath mat if you’d like
  • Clothes for the theme nights (see above)
  • Any pictures or past KDI memorabilia to add to the KDI Archives.
    Items for the scholarship auction. Please try to bring something. The items auctioned off provide a large portion of the funding for the scholarshipees. This is a direct way to spread folk dancing to others.
  • Your right AND left foot and any dance shoes.
  • Lots of hugs & smiles

Wi-Fi

The University provides Wi-Fi in the dorms, ballroom and cafeteria. You will receive a Wi-Fi ID and password and instructions at check-in.

Parking

There is ample parking at the dorms and all of the buildings are within walking distance. You will receive a parking pass to put in your car during check-in.

Meals

Meals are served in one of the University’s cafeterias. Both are close to the dorm and ballroom. Lunch and Dinner menus vary each day.  You swipe your meal card to gain access to the all-you-can-eat buffet. The university does request that you only get one entre at a time, but you can go back as many times as you wish.

Knob Tigers

Years ago, KDI was held on the campus of Morehead, KY.  Unbeknownst to the local population, the surrounding knobs (hills) held tigers that would come down to the valley and participate in our evening dances.  Ever since, our mascot has been the Knob Tiger and our colors orange and black.

Since the tigers are royality, we’ve added a touch of purple to the site.

Can’t get enough

One week a year isn’t enough time together, so we spend the year finding reasons to get together.  Whether it be half the camp sharing Thanksgiving weekend together, or a large group headed to Thunder over Louisville, or traveling to a wedding, we love hanging out with each other.  We stay in touch mostly through Facebook

Camp held at Murray State University, 102 Curris Center, Murray, KY 42071

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