Music & Dance Camps

Since 1980 our camps have been a destination and a home-away-from-home for music and dance enthusiasts of all ages who are eager to delve deeper into tradition and self expression. Whether you are a beginner, a professional, or somewhere in between, Ashokan is a place to leave the cares of the world behind, expand your abilities, sing, dance, and play with new friends! Open to all folks, all ages, all orientations. Work exchange, youth discounts and scholarships are available. Click each camp to see staff, schedule, tuition, lodging, and more.

All 2020 Music & Dance Camps took place online. Click below to learn about our video archive.

Should conditions be safe, our dates for in-person camps & dances will be as follows.

04/23/2021

04/25/2021

Old Time Rollick

Old-time music immersion weekend!

Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas’ Scottish String Fling 2021

04/30/2021

05/02/2021

Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas’ Scottish String Fling 2021

Scottish traditional music immersion weekend!

05/02/2021

Scottish Concert

Join Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas for a rousing afternoon concert at 3pm. They’ll be joined by the Scottish String Fling campers for the finale!

05/14/2021

05/16/2021

Autoharps & Dulcimers II 2021

A weekend gathering of Old Time Tunes and Folk Songs concentrating on learning to play and sing together. All instruments welcome!

05/28/2021

05/31/2021

Uke Fest 2021

A musical weekend retreat for all things ukulele!

05/29/2021

Uke Concert

Our annual public Ukulele All-Star concert featuring Uke Fest staff, tba.

06/26/2021

Swing Dance 2021

Enjoy live music and swing dancing under our outdoor pavilion. Dance starts at 8pm, Come early for dinner at 6pm (vegan, vegetarian, and gf options available)

06/27/2021

07/03/2021

Western & Swing Week 2021

Swing, Jazz, Country, and Western-Swing music and dance!

07/17/2021

Contra Dance 2021

Enjoy live music and contra dancing under our outdoor pavilion. Dance starts at 8pm, Come early for dinner at 6pm (vegan, vegetarian, and gf options available)

07/18/2021

07/24/2021

Northern Week 2021

Jay Ungar & Molly Mason host a fun and friendly week of Northern-influenced traditional music & dance from New England to Québéquois to their European Roots in England, France, and Sweden.

07/26/2021

07/30/2021

Acoustic Guitar Camp 2021

Swing, Americana, Blues, Jazz, Celtic, Pop, Folk and Country guitar!

08/02/2021

08/06/2021

Family Camp 2021

An all-ages, hands-on experience in music, dance, storytelling, puppetry, nature, crafts and pure play! Something for the whole family.

08/09/2021

08/13/2021

Bluegrass Camp 2021

Bluegrass intensive!

08/14/2021

Zydeco & Square Dance 2021

Enjoy live music and square dancing followed by zydeco dancing under our outdoor pavilion. Dance starts at 8pm, Come early for dinner at 6pm (vegan, vegetarian, and gf options available)

08/15/2021

08/21/2021

Southern Week 2021

Appalachian, Old Time, Cajun and Zydeco music and dance!

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WHAT ELSE COULD YOU ASK FOR

“It’s a magical place that nestled in the Catskills – that’s incredibly gorgeous with great music and great people all around…what else could you ask for?” – Noah

LAYERS OF FRIENDSHIP

“You peel the layers of friendship and learn a little bit more about people, become a little bit closer, and then meet new amazing people!” – Mimi

FIRST TIMER

“I was a little nervous at first..but it’s really just been fantastic! The teachers have given everyone 200%, the food has been great, and we’re performing on the same stage with first class musicians. Ashokan is for everyone; no matter what age, where you’re at in your life, no matter what’s going on right now. It’s really a gem.” – Sarah

BE YOURSELF

“I feel like I’m in a dream when at Ashokan. You can experiment, explore and learn new things. The teachers inspire you to be yourself and go at your pace” – Bonnie

A RICHLY LIVED LIFE

“Ashokan is intertwined so closely with music and dance that, for me personally, it is a touchstone for what a richly lived life might include.”

EVERYONE IS CHILL

“Its hard to get scared of performing at Ashokan because there’s no pressure and everyone is chill” – Enna (9 years old)

WE’RE ALL JUST GETTING ALONG

“I was hanging out with people crawling on the floor to a person who is 93 and we’re all just family getting along” – Krissie

Contact our Music & Dance Camp staff at 845-246-2121 or camps@ashokancenter.org