I'll start off by saying that I've had more
fun dancing at this little summer festival, than any other I've
ever attended. The event is the brain child of Rich and Charlotte
Cobos, whom I met years ago at Augusta Heritage Center, also in
West Virginia. The festival actually takes place on their property,
and includes a camping field, portable toilets, showers, a pond
for swimming, dance hall, group food preparation, eating area,
and lots of good folks.
The live music and calling is excellent, and is contributed by
fine dance musicians and callers from all over the US. I've helped
out a bit myself, playing some fiddle, piano, accordion, and one
year, a snare drum. Much as I like to play dance music though,
the dancing itself is top-notch and I find it hard to stay off
of the dance floor. Dance styles include couple dancing, contras,
squares, tango, country swing, cajun, tongue in cheek dance contests,
and other dance inventions. Dancing is almost continuous, and
finally peters out in the wee hours when folks become sleepy.
One year I played for the cajun dance which started around 2 am.
After playing till about 3, I retired to my camper to rest, and
fell asleep to the sound of music being played as more dancers
showed up to do other styles of dancing.
Balance and Swim is a weekend event in July with a Friday night
potluck dinner, 4 provided meals, everyone chips in with music,
calling, food preparation, and clean up. There are also music
workshops, open jams, and a night time bonfire.The cost is very
modest, $35.00 last year(1995) because everyone helps out. Non-dancing
children are free, but pay for food, child care is available with
advance notice, pre-registration is necessary.
For more information contact: Rich or Charlotte Cobos, Broad Run
Box 45, Center Point, West Virginia, 26339, 304-782-1016.