People

They’ve danced their way around the world and into the hearts and homes of thousands of people. They carry a patriotic message as appointed emissaries of the United States to international festivals abroad. They dazzle on stage and take time to visit orphanages. And everywhere they go, they take the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them.

They are Clog America, a non-profit dance organization out of Utah, made up of fifty cast members who donate their talents, time, and resources to make the magic happen. In a joint resolution, the Utah State Legislature recognized Clog America as a “Utah cultural treasure” and “Ambassadors of Peace and Friendship to the World.”

The group is comprised of award-winning dancers and musicians who have had the great honor of representing the United States in over 70 major festivals and events throughout the world since 1991. They have appeared on national television in Germany, the Czech Republic, France, the Netherlands, Brazil, Macedonia, Hungary and the USA.

They represent championship-level cloggers from the Wasatch Front who have won numerous national titles throughout the USA. The individual dancers have also performed their high-powered dance style as special guest artists with recording stars Marie Osmond and the Branson Brothers, as well as appearing in the Great American Liberty Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; the White House Ellipse, the Lincoln Memorial and Sylvan Theater in Washington, D.C.; the Miss America Parade in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Disney’s Epcot Center and Magic Kingdom.

This year this talented and world-renowned organization represented the United States at folk festivals in Germany and Switzerland in Summer 2015. The highlight of the tour was the 50th Anniversary Bitburg European Folklore Festival in Bitburg, Germany. It was attended by thirty-five folklore music groups from fifteen different countries. It included a televised performance and parade. Clog America has performed in the festival before and was honored to be specially requested back for this anniversary celebration.

One thing that sets this amazing group apart is their dedication to doing good. Each year they take time out from their tour schedule for a humanitarian performance for an orphanage, or put on a fireside for local Church members. This year they took time out of their folk festival schedule to perform firesides in Zurich, Switzerland and Frankfurt, Germany for members of the Church. Not all of the fifty cast members are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but at least 45 of them are. And the few that are not, still commit to living by Church standards while on tour.

The Fearless Leaders

An organization like Clog America operates on a shoestring budget and the elbow grease of dedicated volunteers. Team members pay their own way on the tours, but there are still other expenses for which the organization must provide. It takes months of planning the logistics for a group like this to exist. Just the travel details alone for fifty people is a mountain of work. Hard-working volunteers like Shawnda Bishop, Dennis Cobia, and Bonnie Romney, make it all happen.

Shawnda Bishop is the director of the Clog America. She lives in the Salt Lake Valley, and oversees the administrative and logistical aspects of Clog America. A former dancer herself, she’s choreographed many of the dance numbers. She also plays the washboard in the band.

In 1990, Shawnda joined forces with Bonnie Romney founded the Clog America International Ensemble. In the early years, Bonnie and Shawnda choreographed all of the material, as well as made the costumes, planned the tours, and made the necessary arrangements. Bonnie still handles all of the costumes today. Shawnda has been on every tour with the group since its founding.

Dennis Cobia was instrumental in bringing clogging to the West. He’s taught thousands of children how to clog and is passionate about the subject. Now he’s a school principal in Las Vegas, but still devotes his summers to Utah-based Clog America. And he loves to join the dancers and band on stage when the tour.

And the Band Played On

Clog America wouldn’t be complete without their band which is comprised of accomplished musicians playing fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass and various percussion instruments. It is a requirement of the international folk dance festivals that the groups perform with a live band, and not to recorded music. And the Clog America band does not disappoint. The first music director for the group was renowned LDS musician Clive Romney. Under his leadership, Clog America has welcomed in many talented musicians. These are no ordinary band members, but are the kind of musicians who can each play multiple instruments, and learn a new song by ear while traveling in the bus between shows. In addition to accompanying the dancers, the band performs toe-tapping specialty numbers such as the popular “Orange Blossom Special” and “Dueling Banjos” as well as popular vocal numbers.

The intricate Native America Hoop Dance and spectacular Polynesian Fire Knife Dance is performed by the Ahuna Family, specialty dancers from Hawaii. The Ahuna family first started touring with Clog America in 1997.  Four of the Ahuna sons and their father Joe have traveled with Clog America over the years.

No story about Clog America would be complete without mentioning the incredible talents and dedication of the Keller family. Since 1993, at least one member of the Keller family has been on the tour. Each year a combination of Keller siblings, and their dad Ivan, have played in the band. The Keller family possesses incredible musical talents and can be found supporting (and directing and performing in) the arts around Utah. Nate Keller, plays the banjo and guitar, sings, arranges the music, and serves the very important role of music director for the group. Along with his siblings Adam and Chrissy, he brings together the musicians that ultimately are the glue that holds the group together.

Clogging as a Way of Life

The repertoire performed by Clog America includes dances representing the youthful, energetic and diverse culture of the USA. The dancers specialize in clogging which is an American dance form born in the Appalachian Mountain area and influenced by steps of European settlers from England and Holland, the Native American Indians and the African slaves. The various clogging dances are performed with special taps on their shoes allowing for the intricate sounds of the steps to be heard. The clogging dances include traditional precision and hoedown as well as line, novelty and character numbers.

In addition to clogging, Clog America also performs dances representing various time periods of American history including pioneer dances, contras, the Charleston, rock and roll, as well as country line and swing, in the fast-paced and exciting program.

When Clog America takes the stage at a folk festival something amazing happens. Though surrounded by dozens of incredible performers from around the world, when the Americans show up with their fiddles, banjos, and guitars, the crowd goes wild. The American folk style is dramatically different from European folk, and the Clog America show is a welcomed change on stage. The audience loves the “cowboys” and often cheer and boo (appropriately) for the good guys and bad guys in the show.

Tour Life

Life on tour with Clog America is a unique experience. Every year it is something different. If there is one thing that can be said for this group of performers it is that they are patient, understanding, and flexible. Working with language barriers, jet lag, and volunteers, means things can go wrong. Whether it’s just a simple translation problem, or a cultural difference, the group has learned to just work with it. You won’t hear complaining or whining on a Clog America tour. The cast and crew know that things happen and you just have to work through it.

The festivals provide the housing for the tour team, and this can often mean staying with host families, or in dorms, or on the rare occasion a hotel. Meals are also provided by the festival, which can often be the best parts of the trips. The cast loves the chance to mix and mingle with the other festival performers during meal times. It’s not uncommon after shows to see the different countries swapping costumes and posing for pictures in each other’s clothes. Being ambassadors of the United States isn’t just about performing, but also about forging relationships and sharing goodness with other dancers and musicians from around the world.

Learn more about Clog America and their upcoming auditions at https://www.clogamerica.org

Erin Ann McBride is a writer, dreamer, and single woman. She is the author of Sharing the Gospel Through Social Media. She welcomes new friends at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorErinAnnMcBride.