Herräng Dance Camp

2nd July to 6th August

Prepmode for Camp 2016
Lindy Hop, Boogie Woogie, Balboa, Solo Jazz & Tap

FAQ

Registration and Payments

I changed my mind, I want to book a different course than I already registered for. How can I do that?

If you have not paid the registration fee yet, you can cancel your registration yourself by going to your “Courses” in your MyHerrang account and clicking on “Cancel”. Afterwards you can register for a different course. If you have already paid the registration fee, you can’t cancel your registration yourself. Please contact us via info@herrang.com and we will help you to sort things out. 

 

In which way can I pay for what I have booked?

The only method of payment we currently offer is by credit card. If you don’t own a credit card you can ask a friend or family member to help you out. If you can't find a solution, please write an email to info@herrang.com and we will figure it out together.

How do I use a HDC voucher?

When you have a voucher you will find it in your MyHerrang account under “Payments”. Mark the positions that you want to pay for with your discount code and click on the button “Apply now”. Vouchers can only be used for classes or party passes. If your voucher is bigger than the amount that you need to pay for, the voucher needs to be split. Otherwise it will be fully used, even if the amount you are paying for is lower. Please contact us via info@herrang.com and we will split your voucher into the amounts needed. Also notice that, if you pay with a voucher, the “Remaining cost” will be covered first and the registration fee second. So you might still need to make a payment for the registration fee, so your registration is secured.

Can I transfer my voucher to someone else?

Yes, this is possible. Simply go to the “Payments” section in your MyHerrang account and open the “Vouchers/Discounts” tab. All your old and recent vouchers are listed there. Click on “Transfer” and type in the full name and email address of the person that you want to transfer your voucher to.

Where can I get a receipt for my payment?

Receipts are created automatically with every payment you make. You can download them in the “Payments” section in your MyHerrang account under “Receipts”. 

I booked a spot, but unfortunately I can’t come to Herräng. What is your refund policy?

You can find our terms and conditions here.

 

Classes and Schedule

Should I bring my Herräng passport with me at all times?

Yes, please do and please look upon it as a valuable document. The card is your entrance ticket to classes, parties as well as many other activities. If you lose it, please visit our Reception and be prepared to pay an administration fee of SEK 500 to get a new one. 

Am I supposed to only follow my group’s schedule, or can I choose a little bit whatever I like?

You are supposed to only follow the schedule of the program you signed up for. Be aware that we frequently perform passport controls during classes. But are there exceptions to the above? Yes, there are: If we for instance have an imbalance between followers and leaders in a group, you can actually help us by being present in a programme that is not your own, if time allows you. However, there are some criteria that must be fulfilled before entering a class that is not in your schedule:

• You should have a valid passport for the day/week in question.

• You should be able to fit the level of the class you are helping out (same or higher).

• You should not negatively affect the balance between followers and leaders and the class should not already be crowded.

• You should have asked, and have been given permission by the instructing teacher and the Reception.

If you fulfill the criteria above, please feel welcome to join in and participate. For further information, please check in with our Reception.

If I want to change programmes, who do I speak to?

Please speak directly with our Reception and they will explain the procedure. Please also note that Sunday evenings are the only time when it will be possible to change programmes. All programmes will be level checked on Sundays, and accordingly all level changes will be possible only with the approval of our Reception staff and teachers.

When and where will the level split for Lindy Hop Intermediate take place?

The procedure will be performed at Folketshus area right after the first Daily Meeting on Saturday evening, at approximately 22.00.

When and where will the audition for the IntermediateAdvanced and the Advanced classes for Lindy Hop take place?

For these three levels, there will be two rounds of auditions: the first one will be held on Saturday evening at 19.15 in one of the tents in the School Area, the second one will take place on Sunday during your first class. Please also note that if you don't qualify for any of those two levels, there is a possibility that you will be moved to a lower level.

Is there always an absolute balance between followers and leaders in the different programmes?

No, some of them might come with an imbalance, although we try our best to even all the classes out. But even then we can’t control if everybody is actually showing up to their classes everyday. So please do not expect things to be completely 50-50 – the nature of the camp itself seems to avoid the mathematical harmony of absolute balance.

Is it possible to take private lessons from the teachers in Herräng?

This is something the camp administration is not involved in. Instead, if you are interested in taking a private lesson, please speak directly to the teacher in question. It’s up to him or her to say yes or no, and it’s up to the both of you to agree on compensation. If you need access to a dance floor, please feel free to make use of any of ours that is not booked for anything else. At the same time, please note that it is never possible to look upon such a free dance floor as a private area – other interested dancers must also be given access.

 

Accommodation and Facilities

How do I get a sleeping place in general accommodation?

If you have booked yourself to stay in general accommodation, please do your general check-in first and if you have your Herräng passport come to the GA (General Accommodation) Office. Our volunteers will help you to pick a bed. Our GA spots are with mattresses, covers and pillows; the only things you need to bring are bed linen (sheet, duvet cover and pillow case). In case you have no space in your luggage we have some linens you could rent out and you have to drop it at the end of the week. Please note that all general accommodation alternatives are primarily for dancers during their week of classes. Party Pass visitors who are not taking classes can either book a bed in one of our Party Pass Tents at the School Area Camping Ground, or bring their own tent/caravan or make private accommodation arrangements. 

Do I need to bring my own sheets, pillow cases and towels at all kinds of accommodations?

Yes, no matter if you’re in general accommodation or in private housing, please always bring and make use of your own bedding. If you have forgotten to bring them, please visit our Accommodation Office to purchase a set (only upon availability).

What is the procedure around electricity in the camping areas?

This alternative is for caravans/campers/vans only, not for tents.
The procedure follows the following order: pick “caravan/camper with electricity” as your accommodation option when registering for the camp. Please notice that only one person per vehicle needs to pick this option when registering. Any other people sleeping in this caravan can pick “own arrangements”.
Arriving at the camp, get your vehicle approved, visit the Reception and (if not done beforehand) pay the fee (SEK 350 per vehicle and week plus SEK 1400 for electricity) and finally, bring your vehicle to the designated area(s) and arrange the practical connection in coordination with our camping representative. Please note that you need to bring your own approved outside extension cable. If you arrive on a Saturday, please wait to visit the reception (for payments) until Sunday as they are extremely busy with other things on Saturdays.

Is it possible to lock up private belongings at the camp?

Yes. For our general accommodation (in the School Area and at the Marina) and in our Cloak Room in front of Folkets Hus, there are several metal lockers available. If you want to make use of one of them, please bring a padlock and feel free to lock up and store your belongings there. If you need to buy a padlock, please visit the Lindy Hop Shop. Please always consider sharing a locker with some other people because there are  not enough lockers for each and everyone at the camp.

 

Information and Feedback

Where do I pick up information in general at the camp?

The official side of the camp has a handful of different channels to pass on general information:

1) Our Daily Meeting – held every evening except Fridays at 21.00 in Folkets Hus Ballroom.

2) Our three Information Boards (with the same information), located outside of the Reception, at the evening entrance gate and on the Red Sauna House (shool area).

3) The Reception itself.

Where do I go if I have suggestions, problems, complaints or general feedback around the event?

These matters are taken care of by the Reception, either through the mailbox right outside their entrance door, or through direct contact with personnel. For more information about our safety policy please look here.

Who do I speak to if I have ideas for the Daily Meetings or the Library Talks?

Both of these evening programmes are presented by the camp’s Event department and are partly planned in advance, partly improvised. If you have ideas for either of these programmes, please visit our Third Floor Office inside the Folkets Hus building.

Where can I leave and/or pick up printed material for other dance events?

The only official place for such material is inside the Lindy Hop Shop. If you want to display brochures, flyers et cetera, please give it to our staff in the shop. Material found elsewhere will be picked up and handed over to the Lindy Hop Shop.

Does the event offer any surveys?

Yes, the survey will be sent out after the end of the camp, in the beginning of August.

 

Evenings

What activities take place in the evenings of the camp?

The first thing happening every evening after dinner (excluding Fridays) is the Daily Meeting, which starts at 21.00 sharp. Thereafter, we normally have a variety of things on the menu, always including late night/early morning dances, but also including other activities such as lectures, film shows, crash courses, theme programmes, jam sessions, et cetera. All these additional programmes are to be found on our Information Boards the same day as they are scheduled for.

Are some evenings more special than others?

All nights are special in Herräng! Live bands are playing at least two nights a week (often on Sundays and at Wednesdays), the Ramble concept offers six small theme nights per week, and all weeks are also rounded off with Cabaret Blue Moon (Thursdays) and finally a spectacular Theme Party every Friday night. Sometimes, other nights may also turn into something special, often on a more spontaneous and last-minute basis.

What are the Theme Parties for 2023?

Week 1 (14th July) Welcome to Sweden! Sweden is supposed to be one of the best countries on equality. No matter what ethnicity/race, culture, religion, class or gender you belong to (if any), no matter who you love or youre abilities are - you are welcome. So, to honor the Swedish constitution we ask you to bring your culture ro Herräng. Dress up as your country/ies. Be a flag, be folklore, a famous person, a gesture. Be a tradition, the food everyone cooks, the language yo speak. Be a nation treasure. Välkommen till Sverige!

Week 2 (21st  July) Night at the Art Museum Become your favourite artist. Grow a beautiful eyebrow like Frida Kahlo, or enter Pablo Picasso's cubist portrait era. Be a sculpture or the sculptor, the installation, the muse, the gallerist or the art critic. Dress up as your favorite ism. Make it ugly. Make it pretty. Make it as deep or as superficial as you wish, there are nu rules in art. Let's (p)arty!

Week 3 (28th July) Herräng Pride 2023 There are millions of ways to express pride. Queer culture were and always will be deeply connected to the arts, to fashion, music and dance. And politics. This is as tru for 1930's dancers in Harlem as it is for today's dancers in Herräng. Dress up as the rainbow, or make your own, Get inspired by drag, kongs and queens (Be respectful)! Remember Stonewall. Remember the fight. Remember your lesbian aunt. Bring all your extravaganza or hide behind a beard. Pay homage to your favorite queer hero (queero?) from history, fiction, or real life. Come out for this epic Friday night party, or stay in the closet, as long as you show up.

Do I have to dress up for the evenings?

It is up to you. Our recommendation is that you look upon every night as a potential dress-up night, especially (and traditionally) on Slow Drag Night (Tuesday night's theme for The Ramble), and of course a suitable costume for Friday night's Theme Party. In general, it is advisable to freshen up and change clothes after your classes before entering the evening activities. If you tend to sweat a lot during dancing it does not hurt to also pack some extra shirts for the evening.

 

General Practicalities

Can I bring my child to Herräng Dance Camp?

Children are very welcome at camp! If your child is older than eight, we offer both the Swing Kids Swing Teens Program in Week 1 of 2023.

In case of needing babysitters; it will be your responsibility to arrange babysitting. Locals are often willing to babysit, as are fellow attendees at camp. Please make use of the Notice Boards around camp (outside the Reception, at the evening entrance gate and outside of Red Sauna House) to get in touch with them and make individual arrangements.

What about foreign currency in Herräng?

The possibility of exchanging foreign currency (bank notes, private cheques et cetera) in Herräng or nearby Hallstavik unfortunately no longer exists. The best places to exchange currency or cheques are at the airport or in any of the major cities in the area.

Can I make use of my bank cards in Herräng?

Often yes and occasionally no. The camp itself accepts cards, as well as cash, at the check-in, Entrance Gate, Reception, Lindy Hop Shop, Woodside and all food and drink places. In the village, both the grocery store, the food trucks and the Marina also offer card services. The bike deposit needs to be paid by cash though. If you need cash from your card, the nearest machine is in nearby Hallstavik.

Where can I perform private work and disappear into cyberspace?

Herräng Dance Camp no longer provides public WIFI in the camp area, since sufficient private offers are provided, which even offer people traveling from outside the EU the possibility to connect to the Internet in Sweden. So, if you need an internet connection during your stay in Herräng, please find out and take care of the right offer for your needs early enough. 

Does the camp come with any restrictions concerning the use of electronic devices?

Many environments today seem to have been taken over by different electronic devices. Herräng has from the very beginning been a place where personal and direct communication has been looked upon as important and often prioritized. The camp intends to continue supporting this idea and would therefore appreciate your cooperation on the following: we would like all areas inside Folkets Hus (including Bar Bedlam, Café Blue Moon, Library et cetera) and Ice Cream Parlor (including the ICP Tent) to be free from electronic devices such as laptops, iPads, smartphones, et cetera. All other areas are okay as far as we are  concerned. Thank you very much for your cooperation on this matter.

What is the official address to the camp and where can I pick up ordinary mail?

Herräng Dance Camp, Herräng Folkets Hus, Folketshusvägen 5, 763 71 Herräng, Sweden.
If we receive a letter or package for you, we will let you know via email. 

Where can I find the timetable for the public buses?

The main bus stop in Herräng is outside the downtown kiosk, and it also provides information about  times and destinations. The same information can also be found on the Information Boards, and the personnel at the Reception can also provide you with further details about routes and alternatives. Another possibility is to check directly online at www.sl.se. Please note that we seriously advise visitors to catch the bus only from the stop right outside of the Kiosk, and not at any other stop since they from time to time seem to be unpredictable.

Where can I do my laundry?

Two different public alternatives are available: our own manned Lindy’s Laundry and the washing machines down by the Marina. The first one has prices based on weight, the second one has a set price per machine. 

What if I lose something during the camp?

If you lose something, please check the Lost & Found box in the Cloak Room right in front of Folkets Hus. You will have until the last day of the camp (30 July) to claim your belongings. After this date, we will donate everything to a charity organization. All obvious valuables will however be kept at the Reception during camp and at our main office in Stockholm throughout August and September. Please contact us if you have lost any valuables and we will check if we have them in our possession.

Is there vegan and vegetarian food available at the camp?

Yes, there are good vegan and vegetarian options available from Heaven’s Kitchen,, Bar Bedlam, Café Blue Moon and the Ice Cream Parlor.

Am I allowed to smoke at the camp?

Yes, but not indoors or very close to our facilities. Thank you very much in advance for not spreading butt-ends all over the place.

Where can I address my health care questions?

The event offers a basic health advice service and our Camp Doctor is located in the school area. A sign on the Information Boards shows the opening hours. Another alternative is to contact the Swedish nursing advice service, open 24 hours a day, at phone number 1177. The nearest hospital is in Norrtälje (0176-326000), but Hallstavik offers a small local clinic (0175-430210)  and also a pharmacy (0771-612612). In case of serious emergencies, please call 112. Our own Lindy Hop Shop and the Herräng grocery store both offer a basic pharmacy selection.

Where do I leave garbage at the camp?

The camp has an ambition to recycle as much as possible and to succeed with this we need your active support. At several places we have put up small centres for basic recycling. All of these places are equipped with a handful of different kinds of barrels: for glass, for metal, for plastic, for returning bottles and cans and for ordinary household waste. Please try to clean and separate items before leaving things in the appropriate barrel. We will empty these and pass on recyclable materials to the Recycling Centre in Hallstavik on a frequent basis. Another place where you can leave recyclable things is outside the grocery store, Kuggen. There are big containers for glass (both transparent and coloured), metal, plastic (soft and hard), cardboard and also a small one for batteries (batteries, bulbs, electronics et cetera can also be left in a box inside the Tool Box outside of Folkets Hus).

Am I allowed to make use of my video camera whenever I feel like it?

The question is difficult to answer since it depends on the situation. In general, we believe it is okay to make use of cameras all over the camp areas as long as there are no pre-existing restrictions, and as long as the people in front of the camera agree to it. However, and please pay attention to this: some areas of the event have such restrictions, and are primarily not areas for extended photoshoots. In general classes, please do not film randomly since other dancers might not appreciate the action; instead, it is advisable to use the camera only during possible recaps, which are often performed at the end of classes. In all other situations we trust your judgement and believe that you will use your camera in a discreet and tactful way. Please also note that the camp administration has given permissions to a handful of people to use a camera at any time since they have official, relevant positions at the camp.

How does the Airport Shuttle service to Arlanda Airport work?

The shuttle service is a transportation alternative for dancers travelling from/to Arlanda Airport on Saturdays. Bookings can be made at any time, but to guarantee a seat on the bus, please book the service (in our Reception or over the internet) no later than 48 hours in advance. The price for a single trip is SEK 500, or SEK 250 for dancers between 7 and 17 years old, and free for children under seven years old. The traveling time is approximately 90 minutes.

The service from Arlanda to Herräng starts on Saturday 8 July and finishes on Saturday 22 July (no service on 29 July) and follows the following timetable: 09.00, 14.00 and 19.00. The service from Herräng to Arlanda starts on Saturday 8 July and finishes on Saturday 29 July and follows the following timetable: 06.00, 11.00 and 16.00. 

What about fire extinguishers, emergency exits, hand sanitisers and defibrillators?

Each facility has its own set of fire prevention equipment, and we kindly ask every student to find a little time to look around and see where to find fire extinguishers and where the exit routes are in case of emergencies are located (please follow the signs). There are fire evacuation maps in all of our General Accommodation facilities that can serve as a guideline. As a part of fire prevention, no fabrics can hang from bunk beds and the space between beds must be kept free from luggage and large items at all times. 

We have also posted maps of the emergency exits and locations of fire extinguishers and fire hoses in the main entrance of Folkets Hus, in the School and at the camping ground. In case of fire, please rescue/assist anyone to escape the fire, call 112 (Swedish Emergency Services) and try to extinguish the fire if possible.  Please follow these rules and help us to prevent any emergency situations. Hand sanitisers are to be found all around the active dance floors; also, please do not forget to wash your hands as often as possible to prevent the well-known Herräng flu. The camp has two defibrillators (heart starters): one hanging on the wall in the hallway between the Folkets Hus foyer and Dansbanan, and the second one located in the hallway between the Ice Cream Parlor and the Gymnasium General Accommodation.

Village

What is worth knowing about Herräng itself?

The village of Herräng has an interesting history, closely connected to the once very important ore mining industry in Sweden. Not much is today left of this business, but up until quite recently, Herräng was no doubt a very busy place. The roots of this little village go deep into the latter part of the medieval period, and contain the embryos of the rising Swedish dream to govern large pieces of northern Europe. For many hundreds of years, this little village, like many other similarly located villages all over Sweden, provided the nation with the necessary metal to offer relative wealth to the country’s inhabitants. In Herräng, this continued on a big and small scale until the early 1960s, when suddenly the ore mining business was found unprofitable, and within a few years the last of the mines (the remnants of which can still be found here and there in the forest, with the nearest one is located only 50 metres behind Folkets Hus and the biggest one – Eknäsgruvan – located about 300 metres away in the same direction) were closed and an era came to its end. Many of the people living here moved out, most of its stores closed, the harbour disappeared and an unusual silence replaced the once so lively atmosphere. Since then, Herräng has experienced a sleepy existence in the outskirts of nowhere, but with a strong wish to survive not only as a summer village but also as a community worth living in during all of the twelve months of the year.

Do the inhabitants of Herräng enjoy facing a dance invasion of their village every year in July?

Yes, but also no. Most people seem to enjoy having the camp around, but at the same time we have to keep in mind that we actually change the structure of the village quite a lot. Therefore, please always remember that we are all guests in the area – it is important to not make a lot of unnecessary noise while walking around in the village, especially at night. From us organising the event, we would very much appreciate if you could keep the above in mind and for this, we thank you in advance.

 

Herräng Dance Camp 2024

 

What are the dates for HDC 2024?

July 6 - July 26.