2026 REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 1
Country dancing and other folk arts such as folk drama, storytelling, singing, and crafts are wonderful activities for teachers, youth leaders, recreation personnel, and everyone else! Christmas Country Dance School, devoted to the practice and enjoyment of authentic folk material, helps everyone find usable materials for recreation programs, teaching situations, or personal benefit. The week begins with an evening dance on December 26th. Daily classes offer a variety of English, American, Irish, and Danish dance, music, song, and craft traditions. Graded classes are offered, so beginners are given the special attention they need, while experts are provided with new insights and inspiration. Evenings are filled with dancing and Parlor, a time of sharing songs, stories, and special talents. The week concludes with a gala New Year’s Eve dance. The carefully selected staff generously give their time, knowledge, and experience to make the week one of the finest folk arts courses available. Live music is used throughout the School, adding much to the pleasure and merriment. Christmas School offers dance leadership courses for adults and a limited number of select teenagers. Ages 12–17 accepted with parent or guardian.
NEW THIS YEAR!
While we have scheduled Intergenerational Dance and the Morris Tour during the sixth period, we would also like to invite you to lead a class during that hour! Do you have a hobby, interest, or love of something special that can be shared? For instance, could you lead a jam session of jazz, teach us how to tie a bow tie, teach Irish Set dance, get a group together to crochet? These are just examples; here’s how it will work:
On your registration form, we will have a question about what you might like to offer (if anything) and the time you would need. For instance, perhaps ‘bowtie-ing’ is a 30-minute, one-day session. Once registration has ended on December 12, we will take the responses of those who are offering to lead a session. (These are not paid sessions for the presenter or musicians.) Notices will be sent to participants and staff with a list of ‘classes’ offered to register. This will help us determine room size needed. These offerings are not to be more than two hours (two days).
You do not have to sign up for anything. Perhaps some quiet time is needed. Or sign up for only one thing during the week.
But do remember, there is dancing with our up-and-coming dancers each day!
Held on the beautiful campus of Berea College in Berea, Kentucky
Traditional dance, music, song & crafts since 1938
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EXECUTIVE Director
Theresa Lowder
Sponsors
Berea College
Country Dance and Song Society