group dancing

During Mountain Folk Festival most of our time was spent in group dancing-which we greatly enjoyed. But there was some other fun along the way-like:

3 amigos

Bonding with friends we don’t get to see everyday,

exploring berea

Exploring Berea,

English Clogging

Learning English Clog,

silliness in berea

and lots of silliness.

gisburn processional

Two of my favorite parts of the festival took place on the last night. During the closing ceremonies the group danced the Gisburn Processional into the gym while carrying budded out branches of honeysuckle. I love thinking about all the dancers who’ve attended Mountain Folk Festival over the years-thinking that they too danced the Gisburn Processional in celebration of folk dancing and Spring’s arrival.

As a proud Momma-my other favorite part took place when dancers had an opportunity to share some of their own talents. Chatter and Chitter brought down the house with their clogging routine-hope you enjoy it too.

When the girls have clogging practice visitors often wander in to watch for a few minutes. The other night, a lady came in and sat down by me. After a few minutes she turned to me and said “Oh how wonderful the kids are still doing this, I thought it was a lost art.” I was happy to reply “Not in this community. We still think folk dancing is the coolest thing around.”

You may not live close enough to attend the annual Mountain Folk Festival-but I encourage you to look around your community and see if there is an organization that supports folk dancing and encourages the youth to continue the tradition. You may not be interested in the actual dancing part but I guarantee you’ll enjoy seeing a performance.

Tipper

 

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19 Comments

  1. Thanks so much for sharing the video! I used to clog when I was a bit younger. Was a member of the “James Gang Cloggers” and traveled around out local area performing. It was so much fun, and you just brought back some great memories.

  2. Keep kickin it up girls!! Enjoyed your show! You guys are sooo talented. Miss ya! Glad you got to get out of town and enjoy dancing with other people. Nana

  3. Loved the performance. They are quite talented. Thank you for sharing the video. I know we have square dance clogging down here somewhere will have to check it out.

  4. Loved seeing the video. Here in south Louisiana, in St. Charles Parish in particular, Allemands Elementary School has a group of Cajun Dancers that keep the tradition of the Acadians alive.They preform at various activities in the parish.

  5. Oh! They did a great job. I look forward to hearing more about it when I see you Monday.
    And, we want to have you over for dinner soon so we can start making some plans!

  6. Wow, I love it! I remember when some of the kids used to practice their clogging during recess when I was a school girl, long ago.
    I loved this link! Thanks Tipper.
    I loved your other link, too..Clogging at the John C. Campbell School Folk Festival..

  7. I’m going to have to check into that. I would love going to watch. And maybe start dancing again. Lord knows I need the exercise. I kept me skinny for a very long time.
    Loved watching the girls again.

  8. Oh!!! the girls did such a great job. What a wonderful festival. I can see you, all three, there a part of the heritage you love so much. Hearing the people clap and yell for Chitter and Chatter warms my heart.
    Thank God for you, Tipper, you are an extraordinary mother and teacher for your girls!
    I love you!

  9. i really loved watching your girls.. you must be so proud of them, and i love that they are doing what generations before have done. its neat to carry on traditions. thanks so much for sharing.. i do wish i lived near you so i could experience these things.
    big ladybug hugs
    lynn

  10. TO SEE CHITTER AND CHATTER IN THE VIDEO BRINGS BACK MEMORIES. WHEN I WAS THEIR AGE, ( I AM NOW 88) I NEVER MISSED A DANCE ANYWHERE CLOSE ENOUGH THAT I COULD WALK TO. I AM STILL TAPPING MY TOES WHEN I HEAR THE MUSIC WE USED FOR OUR SQUARE DANCING. I WENT TO LOTS OF ENGLISH DANCES WHILE IN ENGLAND DURING WW-2 BUT THEY WERE NOTHING LIKE OLD FASHION CLOGING AND SQUARE DANCING WE DID IN THE MOUNTAINS OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA WHEN I WAS GROWING UP.
    WAY TO GO CHITTER AND CHATTER. KEEP THE TREDITION GOING.
    CHARLES

  11. Your girls dance lovely! I’m glad you enjoyed your time in Kentucky. Berea is a nice little college town in the foothills. John has played there several times and they also carry his artwork from time to time in the Artisan Center. I was excited when I saw that you made a visit to Kentucky. 🙂

  12. Hey Tipper, how could you not love that?!?!? Clogging and mountain music?!?! I love it! Glad to see the kids enjoying it too.
    When we lived in Atlanta I worked for a physician who clogged. Needless to say, it could be pretty interesting in the office at times.

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