www.clogon.com - "keep clogging strong!"

Looks Who's Starting Clogging...

2009-02-10T20:20:00.002-07:00

Could this be true? Chloe Keifer of 24 is going to take up clogging.

Who do you know that is famous and clogs?

Maybe she'll be doing a duo with some other famous star...

Okay, not really. (Well, maybe: No one tells us anything. Still, it seems doubtful, unless Kiefer is enslaved by an Appalachian clogging team.) But we decided to start that rumor after the Alice Roi show, at which we were seated near actress Mary Lynn Rajskub, who plays 24’s nerd princess. Although she spruces up very nicely in real life — a pleasant departure from her sourpuss alter-ego — it seems Mary Lynn was inexplicably taken in by Roi’s choice of footwear: giant, shiny, patent-leather black or white clogs, worn with black knee socks.(By the way readers who don't know what clogging is, these are NOT clogging shoes!)

The models all seemed about ten seconds away from tumbling right out of them, but when we swapped notes with her and her friend after the show, Mary Lynn confessed she was kind of enraptured by the hideous, clunky footwear. (Of which there was, sadly, more: In addition to the clogs, there were a lot of white golf shoes paired with black socks, a look that works best, in our opinion, if are 70 and living in Boca Raton.)

To this lapse of sanity, we say: Oh, Mary Lynn. You are quite adorable, but it takes a special someone to carry off four-inch patent-leather clogs, and that someone works at Madame Ovary’s Wang Palace and carries a wig-tape frequent-buyer card. There’s a reason stylist Phillip Bloch spent the entire show looking like he smelled something foul: Those shoes are heinous. You are better than that. — The Fug Girls

source

What do you think of Hip-Hop Clogging?

2009-01-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

See 6:31 - Hip-Hop Clogging from Dyanmic Addition clogging team.

What are your thoughts on this clogging style?

Best Team T-Shirt Tuesday!

2008-03-24T00:11:00.003-06:00

The whole purpose of www.ClogOn.com is to "keep clogging strong!" The owner and primary operator, Nate Moller, has been involved in internet marketing, search engine optimization, and business consulting for quite a few years and is always reading articles and blogs from professionals everywhere.

One idea that he found from ShoeMoney was "Free T-Shirt Friday". The intent of this promotion is to help business (or studios) market themselves online.

Nate has decided to implement this strategy with the clogging community. Here's what you need to do:

1) Send www.ClogOn.com your team t-shirt:

www.ClogOn.com
c/o Nate Moller
2952 E Somerset Vlg Way
Spanish Fork, UT 84660

2) Nate will take a picture wearing your teams t-shirt. He will also include a blog post at http://clogon.blogspot.com that promotes your team and also a link/picture on the home page of www.ClogOn.com.

3) We will have a vote on the "Best Team T-Shirt". The winning team will be awarded a 10% Coupon to use on all ClogOn Merchadise*

We look forward to helping all cloggers and teams "keep clogging strong" in 2008.

*coupon can be redeemed one time and cannot be combined with other offers.

More of the Southern Belles Clogging On!

2008-02-26T10:34:00.002-07:00

Thanks to Blake for his great comment about the Southern Belles - a big winner at the CCA Championships in 2008. Here they are in a more contemporary performance, definitely moving their clogging feet harder and faster:

If you are interested in quantity discounts on clogging shoes, steven's stomper buck taps, or other clogging products, visit www.ClogOn.com today or send us an email at info@clogon.com.

The Southern Belles Shake Their Clogging Feet

2008-02-21T14:11:00.002-07:00

Fun traditional line dance. The question has come up about what level these cloggers are. I personally think they are probably advanced or championship. This particular dance does not look Pro Level material. What do you think? Are their clogging shoes moving fast and hard enough to be considered Pro?

Traditional Clogging at it's Best

2008-02-01T00:50:00.000-07:00

Our last post featured contemporary cloggers doing their thing to up beat, hip hop music. Many cloggers prefer the contemporary styles: it blends different dance forms together to create something unique and new, it has a tendency to appeal to a wider audience, and it's a great adrenaline rush.

However, there are still strong debates about contemporary clogging. Many cloggers just don't think it's the real deal. I found this really cool video of traditional clogging at it's best. They don't seem to be using clogging shoes, the music is bluegrass, and it really represents the roots of clogging.

What do you all think?

Contemporary Clogging Demo

2007-12-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

Found this cool clogging video showing cloggers doing contemporary clogging. This is a mix of hip hop, jazz, tap and mostly clogging. I wonder what type of clogging shoes and taps they are using - bell or steven's stomper buck taps.

What do traditional cloggers think about the direction clogging is headed? or is clogging really going this way at all?

What do you think?

What's All That Doing Now?

2007-11-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

I've recently been talking to some fellow cloggers via the ClogOn Community in Facebook. The question came up, "What's All That doing these days?" Does anyone know?

Here's some cool footage to remind us of how they can move their clogging shoes all over the stage:

All That
Uploaded by michaelscrip

We Need Your Help Cloggers

2007-11-01T20:02:00.000-06:00

Vanessa W. from Florida is definitely committed to “keep clogging strong!” She’s been involved in clogging for about 10 years and loves what she does.

Unfortunately, a few months ago, her child’s clogging team had an experience that would shock all fellow cloggers. Here’s what she told www.ClogOn.com:

"Over the past year our clogging team did many fundraisers and special shows to raise money to perform... All the kids were so excited and looking forward to the trip as a team.

"Our director told us we would be the only clogging group at this event and we would represent the U.S.A. As a team, we earned well over $3000.00 which would be distributed between each team member to help with the expenses. However, when it came time to divide the money up, there wasn't any. This was two days before we were supposed to leave. No one really knew what to say.

"We arrived...only to learn that we were never invited to the event and didn't even get to dance. A lot of our dancers could not afford to take this trip and used this time in place of family vacations. When we arrived home and our director was confronted about the missing money he said, 'This is my clogging group and I will do whatever I want with the money.'

"He finally admitted to spending the money on some personal issues that he had. Everyone was devastated and felt very used. Our little ones were very disappointed they didn't receive any of the money that they worked so hard for.

"In order to “keep clogging strong!”, I started a group of my own to give all of us a place to dance. I am quickly learning how expensive it can be to start from scratch and keep things going, (music, shoes, uniforms, building, etc....) I'm sure all of you know what I am talking about…Even though we have fallen on hard times and have to start from scratch we are a determined team to KEEP CLOGGING STRONG!!!"

The goal at www.ClogOn.com is to help cloggers “keep clogging strong!” Stories like this inspire us to reach out and help a fellow clogger.

We have set a goal to help raise $1,500 for Vanessa's new studio. Our plan is to contribute to the fund to help supply her with clogging shoes and products.

We need your help too. Any donation to the Vanessa Clogging Team Fund will help.

The money will be used exclusively for Vanessa’s team and will be tax deductible.

A check will be given to Vanessa to help her team “keep clogging strong!”

Thanks for your help!

What do you love about clogging?

2007-10-30T00:59:00.000-06:00

Theresa Avery, a good Facebook friend of mine and fellow clogger, posed a good question that I'd be interested to hear response from. Her question was: "What do you love about clogging?"

Here was my reply:

I've been clogging for over 23 years. I would have to say there are two main things I love about clogging:

1) Performance time. It's so fun to get up on the stage in front of a few people or thousands and move your clogging shoes to the beat of an upbeat song. Granted, it's best when you have a responsive crowd that gets in to things but even a "dead crowd" can be fun if you really liven them up with clear sounds and fancy footwork.

2) The friendships you make by traveling around, going to competitions or workshops and just hanging out with fellow cloggers. Unfortunately I don't get to do this as much currently as I did when I was younger, but the memories are still there and I hope to get back in to things more and more.

So, what do you all think?

Used Clogging Shoes Coming Soon!

2007-09-26T21:01:00.000-06:00

Get them while you can! On Saturday, September 29th, www.ClogOn.com will be listing 16 pair of used clogging shoes.

We get many requests for clogging shoes at the lowest prices possible. In order to help all cloggers "keep clogging strong!" we will be offering the shoes at prices all cloggers can afford.

Because the shoes are used, there will be no exchanges or refunds. "What you see is what you get!" However, before listing the shoes on our site, we will make sure "you get what you pay for."

If you would like us to help you sell used clogging shoes, email us today.

Where has clogging taken you?

2007-02-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

My clogging shoes have taken me all over the world! I started clogging when I was six years old, primarily because I had so much energy and my mother was trying to find whatever resource she could to "calm me down!"

Here are some of the places, state side and foreign, that I've "clogged on!"

United States

Burley, Idaho (this is where I learned to stomp my feet!)
Salt Lake City, Utah (and everywhere else in Utah)
2002 Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics
Disneyland - Anaheim, California
Phoenix, Arizona
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dollywood - Pigeon Forge, TN
Silver Dollar City - Branson, Missouri
New York City - National Talent Competition
Louisville, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Hurricane, West Virginia
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin (at my own wedding reception!)
Door County, Wisconsin

More to come (including across the big ocean)! Where has clogging taken you?

Can a clogging movie promote real clogging?

2007-02-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

What do cloggers think about promoting clogging via a new movie? Has anyone seen a clip of this movie yet? My question is this: do these people putting this "clogging movie" together know anything about clogging?

Here's the article I found that talks about it. Pay attention to the bold areas: will this be enough to really promote clogging?

'Cloggers' creator hopes steps lead to stardom
By Borys Kit

Dec 13, 2006

Can an unknown actress-turned-writer dance her way to stardom?

That was the dream Julia Fowler harbored last week, standing on the roof of a parking structure on the edge of Beverly Hills with a view of the Hollywood sign.

As she prepared with a series of quick stretches for what would be an unorthodox pitch session, several casually dressed executives gathered in front of a makeshift black floor measuring 20 feet by 14 feet.

Fowler watched as one her three producers began her introductory spiel. Five years of struggling as an actress had led Fowler to this, a weeklong series of pitch meetings designed to win her -- a la Sylvester Stallone and "Rocky," Billy Bob Thornton and "Sling Blade," Nia Vardalos and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" -- the lead role in a movie that she had written.

"This'll be memorable, if nothing else," whispered one seen-it-all exec. (The company where this particular version of the pitch took place declined to be named.)

Fowler stepped forward onto the unconventional dance floor, and then she and a group of costumed dancers exploded into stomping and hopping. The floor of the structure vibrated as if an earthquake were hitting the city. First, the execs' jaws dropped, and then they broke into smiles.

"Possum Trot Cloggers" is the name of the project for which Fowler hoped to drum up interest. A romantic comedy set in the world of competitive clogging, it has Howard Deutch attached to direct with "North Country" executive producer Helen Bartlett, "Flyboys" director Tony Bill and TV movie producer Diane Sokolow all on board to produce.

The project was under option to New Line Cinema, which, after deciding not to go forward with the project, let the producers seek a new home for it. The producers and director -- who believed in their writer-star even before she aced a screen test at New Line -- strategized with their agents at ICM on how best to sell a project about a world mostly unknown to those west of Highland Avenue. The result was a 30-minute pitch that included several dance numbers both traditional (set to bluegrass music) and contemporary (set to hip-hop).

The presentation rested mostly in the hands of Fowler, who hails from South Carolina, with clogging part of her background. (bold added for emphasis) After a stint in New York as an actress-dancer -- she appeared in a Broadway production of "Annie Get Your Gun" -- the performer moved to Los Angeles in 2000. But after a string of minuscule television parts -- a waitress on "Titus," an instructor on "Jake in Progress" -- she wasn't getting anywhere.

"I'm the person who tests for shows, but I'm always the bridesmaid and never the bride," Fowler said after the presentation. "I tested for 'The Class.' I'm the person who is one of three or four girls for everything. And I'm just not the girl who breaks through."

On those gloomier days, she blamed herself. "A lot of times I think it has to do with my Southern accent," she said. "I have a unique voice. And it's not necessarily reflective of N.Y. or L.A., and that's where you get jobs. I represent red-state America."

But, she figured, why not turn that potential weakness into a strength? So she sat down to write herself a starring role.

Fowler, Deutch, the producers and the dancers hit a number of production companies and studios last week, sometimes pitching three times a day. They visited Fox Searchlight, Lionsgate, Picturehouse, Columbia Pictures, Walden Media, Gold Circle Films, MTV, Miramax, Groundswell Prods. and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment. They performed in boardrooms, lobbies, vestibules, even an art gallery. Dancers changed in cramped bathrooms and stairwells.

At the Columbia meeting, said Deutch, the pitch proved something of a siren song, attracting a circle of curious execs from neighboring offices. "All they are used to is conference calls and budgets," he said. "It was funny and amazing to see all these people there."

In the case of "Cloggers," the producers and agents felt that because very few Hollywood people were familiar with clogging, a presentation was the best way to go. (bold added for emphasis)

"Sometimes people think the dancers wear wooden shoes," Sokolow said. Added Bartlett, "This is to give the script context -- so when they get to the part in the script where it says, 'They dance,' people have an idea what we're talking about." With this particular pitch, he said, "the power of the beat is so mesmerizing, and it grabs them."

Getting attention in Hollywood sometimes requires out-of-the-box thinking, and the recent past has seen several notable examples. In June 2005, Microsoft had its "Halo" script delivered by a small army of armored-suited characters from the video game. In the spring, execs received an elaborate bouquet of flowers worth hundreds if not thousands of dollars for "The Florist," a pitch from Ashton Kutcher and producing partner Jason Goldberg. The project landed at Columbia after heated bids. The script for "Willard" -- a remake about a special and murderous rat, which would later become a New Line movie starring Crispin Glover -- was sent out with a live rat in a cage.

With the presentation done, the execs were given the script to "Cloggers." Some asked Fowler and Deutch questions about budget -- they anticipate working in the $12 million-$15 million range and shooting in South Carolina -- and casting.

As a break from the routine of a conventional pitch meeting, the gambit was a hit. "If (the dancing) was on a DVD, I'd just pop it in and watch it while I was doing other things, like sending e-mails or reading," one executive said. "Oh yeah," his colleague agreed. "This was much better. This was cool." But all the executives acknowledged that, despite how excited they may have been, there was no guarantee of a sale. Ideally, the filmmakers would like to close a deal before the holidays.

Fowler may have gone out there a-clogging, but would she come back a star? She's waiting for that answer.

Are you looking for quality clogging shoes?

2007-02-16T21:59:00.001-07:00

This is a question many cloggers have: "What makes one clogging shoe different than another?" Another common question may be "Why is this clogging shoe so much more expensive than the rest, even though they all look the same?" What is more important, quality and durability or inexpensiveness? Many of these answers depend on how committed you are to clogging. Are you just getting started, ready to perform, or competiting?

Through research, we've found a few things that qualify a clogging shoe as satisfactory. One of the first things to look for in most clogging shoes are non slip soles with a wooden type shank on the arch of the foot for added support. The support isn't mandatory but can be helpful. Shoes must be fairly light weight and flexible but yet able to hold up in dance classes.

Is price always an issue when it comes to quality? Not necessarily. Discounted or affordable clogging shoes or even used shoes can still be a good idea, especially for someone who is just starting. Before you rush in to making a big purchase, make a judgment on how involved you plan to be.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself:

1) Are you going to be competing?

2) Are the clogging shoes for casual dancing?

3) Are the clogging shoes just for a beginning class?

These are important questions to ask yourself before you make a hasty decision. A discounted clogging shoe does not always mean that the quality is bad. However, as the cliche goes, you often "get what you pay for." Hope this helps in your clogging shoes buying decision.

What do other cloggers think?

25 Ways to Praise a Clogger

2006-09-08T23:32:00.000-06:00

Accentuating the positive is crucial to success in any endeavour we pursue. At www.dictionary.com "optimism" is defined as: "a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome." Synonyms for optimism are confidence, hopefulness and cheerfulness. Optimisim more often than not leads to true accomplishment and maximum performance.

At www.ClogOn.com, we feel genuine positive feedback and praise are key to the progression of clogging. How many of us enjoy going to clogging class, only to hear our director or other fellow cloggers complain about anything and everything? Do any of us like to hang out with people who are always criticizing others? What about the clogging parent who always has a negative comment to make about the clogging directors' decisions? Do any of us really enjoy being around that? Of course we don't.

To assist all cloggers in overcoming or preventing these negative actions, www.ClogOn.com has come up with "25 Ways to Praise a Clogger". We're sure there are many more so let us know and we'll add them to the list.

1. Way to clog!
2. Outstanding Clogging Job!
3. ClogOn!
4. I knew you could do it!
5. I'm really proud of you!
6. Nice Clogging!
7. Looking Good!
8. You're a Fantastic Clogger!
9. Nothing can stop you now!
10. You're a real clogging winner!
11. Remarkable Job!
12. Fantastic Clog Dancing!
13. Hip, Hip, Hurray!
14. Exceptional Clogging Performance.
15. You're Exciting to watch!
16. You learned it perfectly!
17. What a great Clogger!
18. Outstanding clogging routine!
19. Way to "Rise and Shine!"
20. You're a one of a kind clogger!
21. Great high knees!
22. Your sounds are so clear and strong!
23. What precision!
24. You make all cloggers better.
25. "Keep Clogging Strong!"

Thanks again for helping us "keep clogging strong!"

"All That" takes clogging to a new level again...!

2006-08-16T21:52:00.000-06:00

Great Job All That! Make sure everyone votes for All That by calling 1.866.856.8305.

I'm glad we have three phone lines at www.ClogOn.com so we could cast our vote 30 times for All That!

I was so impressed with your professionalism and composure. While some of the contestants argued with the judges, you all were courteous, confident and class-act-cloggers. Way to show America what modern clogging is all about.

What's next? When you win the Big Prize where do you plan to perform next? How can www.ClogOn.com help you continue to "take clogging to the next level in the entertainment industry?"

One way we can "take clogging to the next level..."

2006-08-04T23:50:00.000-06:00

Promoting clogging should be something we think about often - what can I do to promote clogging today? How can I increase my clogging awareness and productivity? Listed below are a few simple suggestions that we might use.

Look to the Future of Clogging - focus on the benefits of progression in clogging. Think about the consequences of putting it off - it will only hold all cloggers back. By promoting clogging frequently, you will avoid the discouragement of having other things get in the way. Try to think of how you feel when you complete goals - you are able to enjoy the experience and see the fruit of your labor. Think about where you want to arrive with clogging. Are you the next Sherry Glass? Do you want to instruct with the likes of Jeff Driggs? Is All That a team you look up to? These goals have to be kept in mind to avoid procrastination of promoting clog dance.

Do it Now - do not wait. Alot of your personal clogging skill development is up to you. As you develop your own clogging skills and share them with others, one thing will lead to another.

Accept the Best That You Can Do - no one is perfect. When performing clogging routines, do not wait until you are perfect in every way. Clog the best that you can, share your talents, and then move on. Accept that you will occasionally make a mistake, but know that every time you perform, people are watching. You never know what effect you'll have on them. The best you can do is all that can be asked of you. The best cloggers understand this and rise to the occasion. They "keep clogging strong!"

To read the entire article, put on your clogging shoes and Click Here!

Go All That - keep clogging strong!

2006-07-20T00:24:00.000-06:00

Modern Clogging at it's best...

Great Job "All That"- taking clogging to a new level!
From Mike Curtis on All That:

"What up y'all!! This is Mike From ALL THAT! First of all I'd like to say thanks to everyone for all the support that you guys have given us while we've been doing this whole America's Got Talent thing! The emails and messages that we've gotten have been overwhelming and we appreciate it more than you can imagine! It's nice to know that all the cloggers are proud of us because that's who we're doing all this for anyway! But I just want to let everyone know that we may not be as out of it as the tv led you to believe!! Ha ha!! Ya never know when we might show back up, wink wink!! So keep watching and keep supporting us because you guys help get us through!! Once again, thanks for the support and we'll see ya soon!!"
http://www.dance.net/read.html?postid=5178664

Looking for an up-and-coming band to promote clogging...

2006-06-16T01:40:00.000-06:00

Hello again fellow cloggers. How's the clogging community? www.ClogOn.com is looking for an up-and-coming folk band or bluegrass band that would like to get a ton of exposure in the clogging and aerobic community. We're excited to take clogging to the next level and view creative clogging music as a way to do just that - keep clogging strong!

We've heard some of the best clogging music: Red-Haired Boy, Monroe's Hornpipe, Jeremy's Express, Cotton-Eyed Joe, but some of the names of the popular songs are not familiar to us. We also want to help a band promote their own new music, while at the same time promote clog dancing as well. We are putting together a program and want to work directly with a new bluegrass band who is creative, easy to work with, and understands the importance of quality clogging and folk dance music.

Contact us if you have any recommendations (info@clogon.com) or are someone that would like the opportunity to visit places like the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, and Orlando at the World Clogging Championships. We look forward to many comments...

Forming partnerships to help "keep clogging strong"

2006-06-14T00:29:00.000-06:00

I think alot about how to "take clogging to the next level in the entertainment industry." What's it going to take to get clogging main stream like tap, jazz, or ballet? I've found a few ideas that may be helpful to clogging instructors - here they are:

"The road to clogging entrepreneurship can be lonely. Greater rewards may result from forming a business (or clogging) partnership. Partnerships offer more freedom for studio owners with shared tasks.

A partnership can be a relationship disaster or a positive experience. Before you form a partnership consider the following:

Creating A Winning Partnership

Have The Same Vision: For a clogging partnership to be successful, all parties involved must agree on the same strategic direction of the company. Where do you want to take clogging?

If one partner wants to build a national chain of retail outlets and the other would just like to earn a decent living, the studio and clogging experience for participants will fail in no time. Set a clear agreed course that meets the needs of both partners.

Define Business Roles: A winning clogging partnership capitalizes on the strengths and skills of each partner. Divide clogging roles according to each individuals strengths. E.g. one partner may be strong in marketing, operations and finance, the other sales, human resources and leadership, etc.

Hold A Monthly Partner Meeting: A strong clogging partnership is built on an open communicating relationship. Meet on a monthly basis to share grievances, review roles and provide constructive criticism.

Create A Partnership Agreement: It is simple to set up a partnership because no legal documents are needed. Partnerships are often an oral agreement between two or more parties. Potential problems can be averted down the road by drawing up a legal partnership agreement.

Building a small clogging business can be more rewarding and profitable in a partnership environment. Consider a structure when you have someone to compliment your skill set and add value to your company. Partnerships can work when the right foundation is laid in the beginning."

I really feel, if we as cloggers are going to "keep clogging strong", we need to unite our ideas and focus. What's it going to take? Please post comments and share ideas...

83 years young and "keeping clogging strong!"

2006-06-06T10:51:00.000-06:00

Penny Hall, 83 years young, is helping us "keep clogging strong!" Her husband, Bic, (86) has been a clogger for 15 years - he's teaching her to clog to take care of diabetes - helps burn off sugar! When asked "Why should people keep clogging strong?" they replied: "It's a great way to keep weight down without using the fitness room. Also great to help me with diabetes sugar levels! We're excited to 'keep clogging strong!' Thanks for helping us find clogging shoes."
-Penny H.

New Clogging Article

2006-04-25T18:56:00.000-06:00

www.ClogOn.com is celebrating it's 1st Year Anniversary - dedicated to "keep clogging strong!" I've been involved in clogging for over 20 years and have often wondered "Why hasn't clogging ever been as popular as the other dance disciplines like tap, jazz, ballet, irish, etc.?" What do you all think?

My main focus in building www.ClogOn.com is to "take clogging to the next level in the entertainment industry - to keep clogging strong!" From my experience, once a clogger, always a clogger. It's just a matter of getting the word out about how much fun clogging is. I am in the process of doing research on Irish dancing to see what "Lord of the Dance" did for Irish hard shoe popularity. To me, it really propelled the interest and excitement of the dance community in general. (Irish dancers, let me know if I'm wrong.)

The question is this: what can we do as cloggers to have that same effect on the dance world? www.ClogOn.com is committed to finding answers. My college background is in marketing; I realize that you can have the cure for cancer, but if you don't get the word out and market it effectively, no one will really benefit. That's the way I feel about clogging too. It's just a matter of spreading the word, inviting people to look in to it, give it a try, shuffle their feet. The best thing about clogging over other dance forms is anyone can do it. As I research more about jazz, hip hop, and ballet, it seems that they require a high level of flexibility, conditioning, and dedication. Clogging does require some of those as well, but you can clog while your walking in the grocery store. You can clog while sitting in your office chair (I do it all the time); it is a great form of exercise yet doesn't require nearly as much conditioning and flexibility as other dance forms.

Anyway! I've said about enough. LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS about this article. You can contact me directly at info@clogon.com.

keep clogging strong!

These are some of the replies we've received. Thanks and keep them coming!

Hey Nathan it is Tracy M. - great questions. I too have always wondered why clogging doesn't get the coolness factor like Riverdance etc. I believe that it is certainly on the rise - at least where we live. Every time we perform we have tremendous attention and applause. I do think that, like any art form, the past needs to meet present to keep living. Our group seems to make a lasting impression. I think it really depends on the group and the area that you are clogging. In La Crosse clogging is not as well known as in other parts of the country - and that can work for us or against us. I could go on for many pages as I too have developed a marketing strategy here locally to promote clogging. Great to always share ideas with you. Tracy

I am going to a competition on April 28th. i have a solo i am doing, a trio with my clogging buddies, and a group with my team.
From, Sarah

Clogging gets stronger everyday...

2006-04-17T18:30:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all our dedicated followers, www.ClogOn.com remains "Most Popular In Clogging
The most visited sites in all 'Clogging' categories." Send this link to a friend and "keep clogging strong!"

Most Popular In Clogging
The most visited sites in all 'Clogging' categories.

1. Clog On
www.clogon.com - Site info

2. Clogdancing.com
www.clogdancing.com - Site info

3. Stevens Clogging
www.stevens-clogging.com - Site info

4. Pat's Clogging Studios Home Page
www.itap2.com - Site info

5. CLOG, Inc. - The National Clogging Leaders Organization
www.clog.org - Site info

6. Texas Clogging Council
www.texas-clogging.com - Site info

7. Clogging Connection
www.cloggingconnection.com - Site info

8. Fire-on-the-Mountain Cloggers
www.fireonthemountaincloggers.com - Site info

9. Hillbillies Cloggers - Why Clog?
www.easy.com.au/vickie/why_clog.htm - Site info

10. Double Toe Times
www.doubletoe.com - Site info

Celebrating our 1st Year Anniversary!

2006-04-14T13:42:00.000-06:00

ClogOn.com is celebrating it's 1st Year Anniversary - dedicated to "keep clogging strong!" I've been involved in clogging for over 20 years and have often wondered "Why hasn't clogging ever been as popular as the other dance disciplines like tap, jazz, ballet, irish, etc.?" What do you all think?

My main focus in building ClogOn.com is to "take clogging to the next level in the entertainment industry - to keep clogging strong!" From my experience, once a clogger, always a clogger. It's just a matter of getting the word out about how much fun clogging is. I am in the process of doing research on Irish dancing to see what "Lord of the Dance" did for Irish hard shoe popularity. To me, it really propelled the interest and excitement of the dance community in general. (Irish dancers, let me know if I'm wrong.)

The question is this: what can we do as cloggers to have that same effect on the dance world? ClogOn.co . . . is committed to finding answers. My college background is in marketing; I realize that you can have the cure for cancer, but if you don't get the word out and market it effectively, no one will really benefit. That's the way I feel about clogging too. It's just a matter of spreading the word, inviting people to look in to it, give it a try, shuffle their feet. The best thing about clogging over other dance forms is anyone can do it. As I research more about jazz, hip hop, and ballet, it seems that they require a high level of flexibility, conditioning, and dedication. Clogging does require some of those as well, but you can clog while your walking in the grocery store. You can clog while sitting in your office chair (I do it all the time); it is a great form of exercise yet doesn't require nearly as much conditioning and flexibility as other dance forms.

Anyway! I've said about enough. I really like this chat room where cloggers can get together and ask questions, propose ideas, etc. LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS about this article. You can contact me directly at info@clogon.com

keep clogging strong!

The Power of Strategic Alliances!

2006-03-31T01:22:00.000-07:00

www.ClogOn.com is headed to the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California on March 31st and April 1st, 2006. Keep Clogging Strong! This article is one of the ways we are taking these huge clogging steps!

"There are a few basic steps you should follow to help ensure that your new alliances are effective. First, be sure to think about what you want the alliance to accomplish. Are you simply trying to reach new potential customers? Or are you also trying to reduce your marketing costs? In general, think about the goals of the alliance. Here are some things you might want to consider.

You will get access to the networks of your partners.
You will get to associate your business with another, potentially, more established brand.
You can decrease your overall marketing costs, while expanding your reach.
You can learn from other businesses. What has been successful for them in the past?

"Next you should think about who you want to partner with. If you are a Realtor, you might think of mortgage originators or real estate attorney's that you could partner with. Bear in mind that your partner does not have to have the same goals are you, but they should be complementary. Here are several ways you can potentially form and alliance with another business.

Create an alliance with a customer - Creating a mutually beneficial relationship with a key customer can strengthen the relationship and reduce your risk of losing this key customer.
Create an alliance with a market leader – If you are a small business, you may be able to reap hue rewards from partnering with the market leader in your area. You may be able to offer a level of local penetration that a big company may have trouble creating on it's own. The alliance may not offer a huge financial incentive for the small business but you can leverage the alliance in your own marketing program. If you are the market leader, consider partnering with a young, easer business that might be able to offer you this type of market penetration.
Create an alliance with a non-profit organization – You might be able to create an alliance with a trade organization or local community organization, which offer not only direct rewards, but also in-direct rewards from helping a good cause.
Create an alliance with a competitor – while you have to pay very close attention to detail when partnering with a competitor, you might be able to tap into their resources to extend your reach. They might be a competitor, but may not have the specific expertise that you do. For example, many people would consider Yahoo! and Microsoft's MSN internet portal to be competitors, but MSN recognized Yahoo! Strengths in keyword driven advertising and started featuring Yahoo! Ads with their search results. Of course, MSN is now developing their own contextual advertising system, which means the partnership is coming to an end soon.
Create an alliance with a parelell industry – simply stated, find another business in your market but that is not a direct competitor and then team up to market to the same customer base. Each company can pitch in financially and see incremental results from their marketing activities.

This is a great article about Strategic Alliances. As the owner and operator of an online clogging website, www.ClogOn.com, I have formed a very profitable strategic alliance with a videography and photography company, www.HighlightSports.com. My background is in marketing, sales, and clogging (a percussive dance similar to tap); my partners background is in technology, videography, photography, and cheer. Though you may think they are not highly related, we've found it to be a win-win for both parties.

My main objectives are to help build his business through advertising and sponsorship, while in turn sharing business ideas and marketing strategies to build my business as well. In fact, tomorrow, March 31st, we are headed to the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, home of the Academy Awards, for the West Coast National Cheer Competition. We plan to distribute over 5,000 customized DVDs and photographs to these avid cheerleaders - something they can cherish for a lifetime. How does this help me? My company name and logo appear on every DVD, along with coupons we hand out at the event which we can track for future reference. It may be a long shot, but we'll never know until we try.

I'm excited about the future of our Strategic Alliance and feel Communication is Critical to our success. We have to both know what is expected of the other if it's going to be a win-win. Visit www.ClogOn.com and www.HighlightSports.com for more information.

New Featured Fellow Clogger - Ira Bernstein

2005-09-26T23:27:00.000-06:00

Hello Cloggers! I hope late September finds you all well. I'm not too sure what's going on right now in the clogging world: not many have said too much on the ClogOn Cloggers Forum yet! If you know of competitions, performances, clogging events or workshops, let us all know via the ClogOn Cloggers Forum - www.clogon.com/ClogOn_Cloggers_Forum.html

To keep you updated, ClogOn.com has a new "Featured Fellow Clogger!" His name is Ira Bernstein, a percussive dancing extraordinaire!! Read all about him at www.clogon.com/Featured_Fellow_Clogger2.html

Keep Clogging Strong! Keep us all posted about what's new in clogging!

clogon.com

2005-09-13T01:27:00.000-06:00

Gary Larsen has been ClogOn.com's 1st Featured Fellow Clogger. He has been honored for a variety of reasons: first, he has been someone ClogOn.com has always respected as an amazing clogger and folk dancer; second, he is the new folk dance director at BYUIdaho, where he will share his clogging and folk dance expertise with students and many others all over the world; third, he has been a great instructor at BYU in Provo, Utah, where he not only taught clog dancing, but also specialized in a variety of percussive dances including African Gumboot, Hungarian, Ukrainian and many others; finally, Gary is a Featured Fellow Clogger not only because he knows how to shake his feet, but also because he has dedicated hours and hours, years and years, to studying and researching the clogging history and culture as it started and as it is today. Thanks for all you do Gary! ClogOn!

If you have recommendations of cloggers you respect, please let us know at clogon@gmail.com and we will contact them for an interview. Keep Clogging Strong!

clogon.com

2005-08-18T08:51:00.000-06:00

clogon.com

I received this email this morning and thought you'd all like to know about it:

"I think that the double or jingle taps are worn by the people that do White Shoe Clogging, which is more related to line-dancing and cheer-leading. Our style of clogging is related to the West Virginian Flat Footing/Buck Dancing, where traditionally they wore hard soled shoes without any taps on. When I went to Cliff Top Festival when we were over they said that taps were only introduced when PA Systems started to amplify the bands so that the feet could be heard over the amplified music - the taps were just there to make the sound louder rather than to change the sound (which double, jingle taps do). I guess that is why we all wear single taps - makes for a more accurate reproduction to the sound the foot makes when it hits the floor."

(This was an e-mail I received from my Wisconsin friend who forwarded it to me from the Firestone group from England. What do the rest of you think about the difference in taps, single versus double? Hit "comments" to reply!)

Where have you shared your clogging talent?

2005-08-16T08:29:00.000-06:00

A question was proposed to www.clogon.com about fellow cloggers sharing their talents around the world. This enthusiastic clogger wondered if cloggers have been to other countries to demonstrate the art of clogging. Well, have you?

Personally I've had the opportunity to visit a number of countries to represent the USA Cloggers and folk dancers.

My first trip was to Poland as a Senior in High School. Our team had performed for 3 weeks at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri and had been seen by a man who was in charge of festivals throughout the world. He liked what he saw and invited us, with a bluegrass band, to tour Poland the next summer for 1 month. We would participate in a variety of Folk Festivals all over Poland and also have the chance to see the beautiful country. It was an experience I'll never forget. I couldn't believe how the audiences responded to our upbeat, high energy style. We were the stars of the show, generally performing last at festivals with 10 - 12 teams.

Not only did we get to share the clogging spirit with these people, we also got to meet teams from all over the world who shared their culture and dance styles with us.

As a freshman in college, I was able to visit Germany and Italy with our clogging team. This was another great clogging experience. The crowds were similar in their response - young children would flock to us to get autographs and USA memorabilia. We also had the chance to clog around a major square in downtown Rome. Granted, it was extremely hot, but our jingling taps lit up the audiences all the same!

Spain and Portugal were the next places I shared my clogging talent. We clogged all over Spain, including Barcelona, Cadiz, Sevilla, and Madrid. Four of us were invited to perform on Sevilla television at a "David Letterman"-type nightly talk show. The bluegrass music played, our country decor shined, and we pounded our feet for who knows how many people throughout Spain.

The final experience I've had sharing my clogging talent was in the Opening Ceremonies at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games. Nearly 60 cloggers, directed by Jay Ledford, Ed Austin and others, represented the culture of Utah heritage as we welcomed the world to the upcoming events. We were a small piece of a big pie, but this was probably the most memorable of all my clogging experiences. I'll never ever have that kind of opportunity again and don't know many cloggers that ever will.

Clogging is an amazing cultural art form. Without clogging, I'm positive I would have never been able to meet the people I've met or see the places I've seen. For this reason I aim to Keep Clogging Strong!!

Interesting Wisconsin clogging information

2005-08-12T16:19:00.000-06:00

This is a great comment I received from a fellow clogger in LaCrosse, Wisconsin!!

"Interestingly we were up in the Mpls. yesterday to see their local cloggers ‘Wild Goose Chase Cloggers’ performing with a group from England called ‘FireStone’-(both have web sites). They performed in an open park setting and their two hour performance was outstanding. They both have traditional Appalachian style clogging along with variations,... Wild Goose Chase Cloggers (3 hours away) wear single taps which we found interesting because that is what we wear, Rochester, MN groups (1 1/2 hour away) wear jingle taps. We have found double tap cloggers laugh at the single tap cloggers. We know 90% of the cloggers in the US have double/jingle taps, but we now know that in England they are wearing the single tap and clogging. FireStone explained that 25 years ago a clogging group from MN came and they were influenced by that group hence the single taps on their shoes. How may other cloggers in the US wear single taps??

Thought you would find this interesting."

Tracy

What do others cloggers think about this?

clogon.com

2005-07-29T23:29:00.000-06:00

clogon.com

Are there any cloggers out there who use blogs? What's going on in the clogging world these days? Where is the National Competition? Is there still a competition in Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO? Is it still really big? What about Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN? What's the biggest clogging get together right now?

Thanks

Nathan Moller
ClogOn.com

Welcome Welcome! Are there any cloggers out there?

2005-07-27T16:11:00.000-06:00

Hey cloggers, are you out there? I'm an avid clogger and wonder what's going on in the clogging community. ClogOn.com is a site I've been working on for a short time. Check it out and let me know if you have suggestions and ideas. Clog On!!