Participation Type
Performance
Presentation #1 Title
America's Clogging Hall of Fame: Tradition and Innovation in Mountain Dance
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
The folk-dance community of the Southern Appalachians has changed significantly over the last 100 years, but dancers have also retained many of the traditional dance styles of the Appalachian people. Due to a tradition of innovation that has been established within the competition circuits (referred to as ‘sanctions’ by competitors), monumental changes in both style and technique happen quite frequently. Attitudes surrounding Traditional and Contemporary Competition dance styles are completely different now than even 5 years ago. This short documentary focuses on America’s Clogging Hall of Fame (ACHF), one of the 3 clogging sanctions that were created in the later 1900s. Recent philosophical changes in the greater clogging community have been reflected in the rules and regulations of ACHF. Widely known as the ‘Traditional’ sanction, the film explores the organization’s attempts to find a balance between honoring the traditions of the past and pushing the boundaries of the Contemporary clogging styles.
Documentary time: 10 min.
Technical Requirements: Computer, sound system, projector
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Ian Kirkpatrick is a master’s student in the Appalachian Studies program at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. He received his B.A. in Political Science and International Studies at Mars Hill University, where he was a member of the multiple-time National champion folk-dance group the Bailey Mountain Cloggers. Ian has performed in several states across the Southeastern United States in addition to international tours in France, England, Greece, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
America's Clogging Hall of Fame: Tradition and Innovation in Mountain Dance
The folk-dance community of the Southern Appalachians has changed significantly over the last 100 years, but dancers have also retained many of the traditional dance styles of the Appalachian people. Due to a tradition of innovation that has been established within the competition circuits (referred to as ‘sanctions’ by competitors), monumental changes in both style and technique happen quite frequently. Attitudes surrounding Traditional and Contemporary Competition dance styles are completely different now than even 5 years ago. This short documentary focuses on America’s Clogging Hall of Fame (ACHF), one of the 3 clogging sanctions that were created in the later 1900s. Recent philosophical changes in the greater clogging community have been reflected in the rules and regulations of ACHF. Widely known as the ‘Traditional’ sanction, the film explores the organization’s attempts to find a balance between honoring the traditions of the past and pushing the boundaries of the Contemporary clogging styles.
Documentary time: 10 min.
Technical Requirements: Computer, sound system, projector
