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Attendee Information

June 13-15, 2025, Asheville, NC

We are so happy that you are joining us! Here is everything you need to know before your arrival. Two important reminders:

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  • You MUST have a confirmed registration. There will be NO drop-ins or single dance tickets. If you are not on our list, you WILL be turned away at the door. You will receive direct e-mail from us with additional information and reminders.

  • There is NO CAMPING, NO SLEEPING IN CARS, NO SWIMMING on the grounds of Warren Wilson College. Please just don't!!

 

Also:

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Cancellation Policy: Tickets are not transferable. If you must cancel, please contact soiree@ashevillecontra.com as soon as possible. If your registration has been processed and confirmed, your ticket will be refunded up until Sunday, June 1st less a $35 administrative fee. There will be no refunds after June 1st.

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If you have questions, don't hesitate to e-mail us.

Schedule and Events for 2025

  • The current schedule is here (subject to change).

  • If you have purchased the full meal plan, Friday dinner is included from 5:30-7 pm in the Gladfelter cafeteria.

  • More Fusion!

    • Fusion will be hosted by Asheville's own Emily Dobberstein:

    • What is it? Fusion is a beginner-friendly, dynamic, and innovative partner dance focused on connection and creativity that blends a variety of dance styles.

    • Enjoy her workshop Saturday afternoon at 1pm: "Fusion Dance Fundamentals: Connecting Contra to Blues to Fusion." In this workshop, we will highlight the ways that contra, blues, and fusion dancing concepts connect and build on each other, exploring skills like frame, footwork, musicality, connection, and more!  

    • There will be not one, but TWO, late night Fusion sessions in the Pavilion Friday and Saturday nights at 11:45 pm.

  • More Rushfest! 

    • There will be not one, but TWO Rushfest sessions in Bryson Gym with none other than Emily Rush, of course: Friday night at 11:15 pm, and Saturday afternoon at 3:15 pm.

  • Adina Gordon and Steve Zakon-Anderson will be leading a "Callers Conversations" session Saturday afternoon at 3:45 pm where both new and experienced callers can share experiences and discuss all things related to calling. It will be held in the Cow Pie Café on the lower level below the Gladfelter cafeteria. Just take the stairs to the left as you enter the main door.

  • ... plus lots more!

What to Bring

  • Printed and filled-out parking permit (will be e-mailed separately on or around June 7th to all registrants)

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Dance clothes and shoes

  • Flashlight

  • Extra cash to purchase any band merchandise or to further support the talent

  • (If staying in the dorms): Linens: bath towel, washcloth, 2 sheets (twin size, long), pillowcase, light blanket, and pillow.

  • (If participating in yoga): Yoga mat and towel for extra support

Parking

Everyone will be sent a parking pass via e-mail one week before Summer Soirée (on or around June 7th). It would be helpful to print it out ahead of time, fill in your name, and leave it on the driver's side of the dashboard. We will have some passes available at the dance if you don't have access to a printer. Whether you are staying on campus or not, you should park in the designated Weekend Parking locations shown on the Summer Soirée map. Note that there is no parking around the chapel or at the very far end of the parking lot behind Kittredge Hall. Also, please do not park near the side or the back of Bryson Gym itself.

Staying On Campus?

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Follow signs for Check-In and you may utilize Short Term Parking near Bryson Gym and the dorms to park, register, and unload your car. Please then proceed to the Weekend Parking areas.

Staying Off Campus?

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Please proceed directly to the Weekend Parking areas to park. Then walk over to Bryson Gym to register and enjoy the weekend.

Check-In

Check-in is from 4:30 - 11 pm on Friday and from 10 am - 12 pm on Saturday at Bryson Gym. If you are not staying on campus please follow the signs to the Weekend Parking areas prior to check-in. If you are staying on campus then you can park in the short term parking areas to check-in and unload your car. Please see the Summer Soirée map for designated parking locations.

 

Depending on the options you chose during registration for Summer Soirée, you will receive:

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  • Your personalized dance button. This is your ticket. Wear it for admission into Bryson Gym and for all dance sessions and workshops all weekend.

  • Your T-shirt if you pre-ordered one. There will be none for sale at the dance.

  • Your yellow wrist band if you purchased the full meal plan or a green wrist band if you purchased just the Saturday dinner.

  • Your dorm and room assignment if staying on campus. You will then be able to unload your belongings near your assigned dorm.

Housing

We will be using both the Sunderland and the Vining B dorms this year as shown on the Summer Soirée map. Things to note:

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  • Bring your linens: bath towel, washcloth, 2 sheets (twin size, long), pillowcase, light blanket, and pillow.

  • DO NOT bring valuables into the dorms. We will not be issuing keys to lock your room when you leave. They can be locked from the inside while you sleep. Any valuables should be left at home or locked in your car.

  • Entry in to the dorm buildings requires a key code which will be issued to you when you check in.

  • Campus WiFi network is "WWC Owls" and the password is "wwc-owls"

  • Please vacate your dorm room by 10 am on Sunday.

Location

Warren Wilson College is located about 10 miles east of Asheville, NC. If you are driving, set your GPS to:

  • 102 Upper College Rd, Swannanoa, NC 28778

If you are flying, the most convenient airports are

  • Asheville, NC (AVL) - 30 minute drive

  • Greenville-Spartansburg, SC (GSP) - 90 minute drive

  • Kingsport, TN (TRI) - 90 minute drive

  • Charlotte, NC (CLT) - 2 hour drive

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You can view a full campus map here. All activities, housing, and meals are within a short walk of each other.

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