Workshops – Appalachian Clogging Basics (Levels 1 & 2)
Workshops at 2 levels on 2 consecutive weeks. Appalachian clogging basics taught by Abby Ladin and Sam Bartlett from the USA. Abby teaches the dancing, and Sam provides accompaniment on 5-string banjo.
These workshops are being jointly hosted with the North American Morris Dance Organization (NAMDO).
Saturday 13th February (week 1) / Saturday 20th February (week 2)
14:00-15:00 Appalachian Clogging Basics Level 1 (not just for beginners!): We’ll explore the fundamental steps, how to string them together and keep a rhythmic pulse. If you already clog, Abby will challenge you with syncopation and beginning improvisation. No Appalachian experience is needed for these sessions.
15:30-16:30 Appalachian Clogging Basics Level 2: We’ll build on the basics and add more steps to our repertoire, work on musicality and tone, improvise and trade rhythms. Experience suggested for level 2: previous percussive/step dance experience in a traditional style (American clogging, English step/clog, French Canadian, Cape Breton, rhythm tap, Irish step or Sean Nos). All of those footwork styles will translate well to level 2.
Equipment Needed
Recommended footwear: Any comfortable leather or hard-soled dance shoes you prefer; tap shoes, or Irish hard shoes if you’re on good terms with your housemates/neighbours.
Dance surface: Wooden floor is best, but any firm surface will do. Not much space is needed, and you can put a 3×3 square of plywood or Masonite over less forgiving surfaces.
Workshop format note: Abby’s workshops are designed so you are moving most of the time (dance class rather than history lesson). Abby will also provide thoughtful modifications for differently abled bodies.
To register
Please complete the online form(s), either or both of:
– Register for the Workshops – Appalachian Clogging Basics Level 1 (14:00-15:00)
– Register for the Workshops – Appalachian Clogging Basics Level 2 (15:30-16:30) for those with some relevant experience, see above
You will receive a confirmation email immediately (check your spam/junk/promotions folder!). We will send you a Zoom link a couple of days before the event. Open to all – you don’t have to be a member of a team in The Morris Federation.
Donations
Abby & Sam are professional teachers of dance, so if you enjoy this event, then it would be wonderful if you could contribute something to their tip jar. If you have a Paypal account, go to paypal.me/stuntology.
Your hosts
Abby Ladin was raised on social, folk and percussive dance from North America, the UK and Eastern Europe, and by age 18 was touring nationally with the Ohio based dance and music company Rhythm In Shoes (RIS). During her 12 years with RIS she studied and performed with tap greats Brenda Bufalino and Gregory Hines, champion Irish dancer John Timm, Quebecois step dancers Benoit Bourque and Pierre Chartrand, Sandy Silva, and many other expert, though lesser known practitioners.
A collaborator at heart, Abby has worked with musician and composer Malcolm Dalglish on The Welcome Table, a midwinter spectacle including original dance, music, and choral arrangements of poems by Wendell Berry. In 2013, Abby joined a cast of percussive dance all-stars for Carry It On, a dance for camera film and performance project celebrating the Wheatland Music Organization’s 40th anniversary festival in Remus, Michigan.
She and her husband Sam Bartlett make up the rhythm section of the Humdingers on stand-up bass and guitar, led by master fiddler Brad Leftwich. Abby instructs children and adults at events across the US, including Country Dance & Song Society camps, the Swannanoa Gathering, the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes and Berea Christmas Country Dance School. She’s known for her inclusive and accessible teaching style.
Resources
See some videos of Abby Ladin and Sam Bartlett in action:
“Hot Jim” excerpt from the short film ‘Carry It On’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=337_Vzqn91Y
“Struck By Lightning” choreography by Sharon Leahy, comp. Rick Good:
Mary Devlin’s, choreography by Abby Ladin, comp. Sam Bartlett:
