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Oxford Dance Camp

"For a bunch of people after a chilled time, it's all looking a bit exciting..."

Dear camper(s),

here's an update on the 7th Oxford Dance Camp (2001), which starts of course on Friday October the 3rd. Or is that August? EEK that's about 5 days away!

Anyway, we have a full (provisional) programme. Most evening events have a workshop beforehand.

The line-up looks like this:

Fri 3 Aug:

Arrive & say hello at the cafe marquee for your welcome. Big kisses from whoever's on duty. Welcome circle dance at 9pm in the cafe with Mark, Jem, and anyone else who has music.

Sat 4:

'Disco' - or a rave or whatever they call it these days. Storming sounds from the most happenin' clubs this side of Ibiza. Plus YMCA. Dress: white suits and eye glitter.

Sun 5:

USA Night. A full evening of fun. Line dancing and rock'n'roll. Bring your own line. And your own rock. And roll. And butter. This is getting a bit surreal.

Mon 6:

Ceilidh (live music). Someone called Kayleigh is going to be there apparently. Your chance to Strip the Willow.

Tue 7:

Egyptian Night (some live music). The sensuous sounds of the east with some Belly Dancing. Bring your own belly.

Wed 8:

Tango night. Sophistcated stepwork from the salons of Buenos Aires. Don't shake the can before opening.

Thu 9:

This may be the lunchtime when we have a market in the cafe. Then there's a Tea Dance (live music). 4pm start - very civilised. Then, after a latish dinner, a Wave at about 10pm. Prepare for lift off...

Fri 10:

Latin night (may be some live music). There will be salsa and merengue to excite and exhilarate, for everyone who's not spending the evening reading latin.

Sat 11:

Cabaret. You're the star, so bear something in mind. Also, we'll probably have a giant bonfire. All very spectacular.

Sun 12:

Please please please help clear away before you leave. An hour or 3 will do.

So, make sure you bring the appropriate clothing. Raving gear, tea dance gear and a thong would seem to be minimum requirements. Hey, you know those empty supermarket bags you have filling up a drawer somewhere in your kitchen? Well, we have proper recycling this year, so do bring your old placky bags as well, so you can separate your glass from your cans at your circle. It's also advisable to bring musical instruments, rain coats and sun block, big old pots & pans for cooking on an open fire... and if you end up reading that book you brought there's something amiss. Ah yes, big decorative drapes for loan would be nice.

There will also be craft workshops again with the fabulous Groovy Sue (mainly for kids), there's a story telling space, Chi Gong in the mornings, Balkan and Appalachian clog dancing, a couple of sweat lodges are planned, the hot tub will be going most nights, a healing space is being organized (can you offer some time?), there's warm ups in the pipeline for the start of the News at Ten (in the morning!), we're hoping to have a bit of a drinkie at some of the evening events, and all in all we're looking at some serious chilled fun. I'm sure there's more going on besides. Probably.

Don't forget that you're responsible for your own health and safety, and that of any children in your party. Even though our health and safety record isn't too bad at ODC, don't forget that on holiday it's possible to relax and have an accident. Please take the time to prepare your holiday properly and plan to camp safely. For example, bring fire extinguishers and buckets (if you have them) in case of fire, expect to wear boots and gloves if chopping wood, and any rubber bath mats brought along for loan to the shower area will be welcome. Children may not leave the dance camp field, play with fires, touch tools or be in the hot tub unless they are specifically supervised. Please make sure your kids know this now.

We'll let you know if anything else happens. Please do come to News at Ten every morning, keep an eye on the on-site notice board, and don't forget the fabulous non-on-site web-site: www.dragonrest.co.uk/camp

See you there, Love'n'bless

(Jem for) the Oxford Dance Camp cttee.

NB: any of this could change y'know...