Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – An organization in Jonesboro is aiming to get more people dancing through its beginner clog dancing classes.
Hosted by the Crowley Ridge Cloggers, the classes aim to introduce more people to clog dancing, which is a form of folk dancing in which cloggers dance on the downbeat of the music.
The group will be offering beginner classes beginning later this month. Two free classes, which will be on Jan. 21 and 28, will be offered.
From there, if participants decide they want to pursue clog dancing further, an eight-week course will be offered, costing $40 per dancer. This will be held from Feb. 4 through March 25.
“We try to have a good time. If we mess up, it’s just ‘That’s OK, we’ll just do it again,'” said Leona Miller, director and instructor of the Crowley Ridge Cloggers. “It’s not like we’re going to be perfect; we do have fun, and we are a fun group.”
Classes, which will cover basic clog dancing techniques and terminology, will meet Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Earl Bell Community Center, located at 1212 S. Church St. Adults and children as young as eight are welcome. All classes are taught by certified instructors.
While special shoes are worn to create the “tapping” sound associated with clog dancing, Miller said participants will not need to buy shoes for the classes. She said people can just wear “regular shoes”, and that information about purchasing dancing shoes will be provided at class time for those wishing to buy clog dancing shoes.
She added that while the style of shoes worn in tap dancing and clog dancing differ, those with old tap shoes can also wear them to class.
“Sometimes for newer dancers, especially is somebody is just starting or even kids because they outgrow those so quickly, sometimes some of our beginners will go ahead and get a pair of tennis shoes, as long as they have a flat, smooth sole,” Miller said. “I can glue taps on those and they can purchase the taps, and that’s kind of a cost-effective way, especially when you first start out and you’re not sure ‘OK, am I going to want to do this or not?’ and invest in a pair of shoes.”
Miller emphasized the class’s family-fun nature.
“We do have fun, and it’s good family entertainment,” she said. “It’s something that the family can do together.”
Those interested in the class can call (870) 926-6454 or email arclogger2@gmail.com.
