Throwback Thursday!

Clog America Tour Team Auditions!!

2015 TOUR TEAM- Audition update!!

Auditions this year will be in two phases. The FIRST PHASE will be Sat. Sept 27 from 9 am to 2 pm at the South Jordan Community Center as is described at http://www.wwapa.org/index.php/informational-pages/auditions/clog-america-2014-auditions/ 

The SECOND PHASE will be held Sat. Oct. 11 from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center located at 1355 West 3100 South in West Valley. 

Beginning with a rehearsal, the day will end with a short performance for the Latino Educational Fair. Both auditions and rehearsal/performance will be evaluated before the Tour Team is announced.

4 more days until the International Days Opening Spectacular

This exciting production will be held Tuesday, August 12 at Bingham High School beginning at 7 pm. The cultures of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Serbia, Polynesia and the USA will be featured. 
Admission is FREE!!!

COLORS OF THE WORLD EXPO: Saturday August 16

International Days COLORS OF THE WORLD EXPO: Saturday August 16 at Herriman's Rosecrest Pavilion Non-stop entertainment 2-9 pm. 
Dance groups include OPA Greek Folk Dancers (5:15 pm), Black Diamond Dancers (2:30 pm) and Dance Force Academy (4:45 pm).

International Days COLORS OF THE WORLD EXPO

International Days COLORS OF THE WORLD EXPO: Saturday August 16 at Herriman's Rosecrest Pavilion Non-stop entertainment 2-9 pm 
Merrill Osmond’s Youth Pioneer Production depicts, with dance and music, the journey of the Utah Pioneers. Segments of the epic struggles and celebrations of the pioneer trek West and their attempt to settle the untamed valleys of Utah will be presented at 4:00 pm.

Indonesia to appear at International Days!

Director Dewinta Anggesti and other representatives from "KTF UI Radha Sarisha" have arrived in Utah for festival appearances. The group is from Depok, Indonesia. Their "International Days Country Spotlight Show" will be Thursday August 14 at Elk Ridge Middle School in South Jordan, Utah beginning at 7 pm. Don't miss this evening of exotic dance and music from Indonesia! Remember ALL International Days events and shows are FREE to the public.

The Beautiful Ladies of the Band

Cat, Amanda, Miranda, Abby, and Chrissy in Vrsac, Serbia

Our fearless leaders

Shawnda, Dennis, and Brandi taking a much deserved long lunch in Timisoara, Romania. 

International Days, August 12-16, 2014

High Horse

On Top of the World (the unfinished director's cut)

The unfinished version of Clog America's music video--ignore all the weirdness at the end! We'll finish the rest in a couple weeks at International Days when Clog America comes together again!
(Created by Jenny G.) 

Adam Keller Sings "Sold" in Vrsac, Serbia

Throwback Thursday: Pioneer Day!

In honor of Pioneer Day!

Clog America Performs "Frontier" in Vrsac, Serbia.

On the bright side, other than losing one tap off of a shoe on Monday night, we really suffered from very few mistakes, mishaps, or accidents, while performing on this trip.
And then, right in the last show of the tour, a funny accident occurred. As either Nate or Adam put it, "He 'Indiana Jones'd' the heck of out of that thing."
Here's the video and the show that will go down in history as the "time Brent lassoed the hanging microphone."

We finished up the show (with the mic and whip still hanging down) with Acapella and Camilla Clog.

Don't worry. The whip and mic did finally get down.

Tour History, Tuesday, July 15: Emily and Joshua Park

1. What is today's location, weather, and landscape?
Vrsac, Serbia! A beautiful summer day in the quaint city at the end of the Carpathian mountain range.

2. What was today's most interesting/delicious/gross food?
Most of us missed or skipped breakfast because it was from 7-9 am. ZZZzzzzz.... So we ate two day old, leftover, cinnamon scroll (tube sweet bread you can buy from the street vendors at the festivals). It was still pretty tasty!

3. Where and for whom did Clog America perform?
We performed in the city square for the fantastic citizens of Vrsac.

4. What was today's funniest overheard comment?
Regarding the salsa dancing party last night- Brent was overheard saying, "She shook herself in ways I have never seen anyone shake before." (Referring to the super-zumba-dance leader girl from Mexico.)

5. What act of kindness did you observe today?
All of the wonderful things spoken into the camera about people's experiences working with Clog America.

6. What was today's funniest performance moment?
Brent whipped one of the hanging stage mics and it both whipped the mid off and got stuck in the cable above... It was awesome. (See the video here.)
And Alyssa ended up doing a solo during Camilla Clog hoedown that was supposed to be a trio. Sariah and Shaylyn missed their cue because Brent and Amber had to change their lift that came right before.

7. What was some wisdom gleaned from Miriam today?
She admitted that no one knows what her job on tour is... not even herself.

8. What words best describe today?
EPIC FINALE!!

9. Describe today's miracle.

We were given a private tour of the largest cathedral in the city. We sang "Nearer My God to Thee," sending some excellent harmonies ringing through the grand arches. We also got to go up in the 150 year old organ.

10. What cultural a-ha moment did you experience today?
Several of us realized how cheap taxis are in Serbia and took the easy way up to the beautiful vista and churches on the mountain. While Group A took the long walk up 500 steps to the top, Group B took taxis for about the US equivalent of $1 a piece.

See- Some awesome country vineyards
Touch- a 150 year old organ
Hear- Mormon hymns in a Catholic cathedral
Smell- Lots of rubbing alcohol (used to spray down our smelly costumes)
Taste- Marvelous meats of Serbia

Tour History, Monday, 14 July, Shaylyn Sheffield and Sarah Mudrow

1. What is today's location, weather, and landscape?
On the bus from Timisoara to Vrsac, passing sunflower fields on the way.

2. What was today's most interesting/delicious/gross food?
For dinner we had some kind of battered fried fish with yummy rice and veggies with a choice of pickles, peppers, salad, or nectarines.

3. Where and for whom did Clog America perform?
At the festival for the people of Vrsac.

4. What was today's funniest overheard comment?
When Peter gave his $5 gift- "When I heard it could be a gag gift, I got the Serbian yoghurt, so you can gag." (But he didn't really.)

5. What act of kindness did you observe today?
Josh, Adam, Nate, Brent, and most of the other boys, unloaded the bus, and reloaded the bus, when we went to the wrong hotel. And then unloaded it again at the right place.

6. What was today's funniest performance moment?
Sariah lost her tap in the show.
The rehearsal looked like death warmed over. (We were tired!)

7. What was some wisdom gleaned from Miriam?
Policeman don't like to give tickets to kind-looking, slightly confused, people because they want to help you.

8. What word best describes today?
Tired/Zombie- what the dancers looked like at rehearsal.

9. Describe today's miracle.
1. The bus ride was short.
2. We made it to the right place to stay.

10.
See- Salsa dancing in all forms at the salsa party
Touch- Gifts from each other in the "15 Lei Game" (or $5 gift game)
Hear- Cultural and Salsa Music
Smell- Cigarette smoke
Taste- Gelato! (Instructions given after rehearsal: money, water, ice cream, nap!)

Tour History, Sunday, July 13, Erin McBride and Heidi Burnett

1 What is today's location, weather, and landscape?
Timisoara, Romania.
Sunny, warm, and beautiful.
City landscape.

2. What was today's most interesting/delicious/gross food?
The smorgasbord!

3. Where and for whom did Clog America perform?
At the festival for over 2,000 people, in a parade, and at the wreath laying ceremony.

4. What was today's funniest overheard comment?
"I have a ton of gas." (Carbonated water.)

5. What act of kindness did you observe today?
Alyssa's birthday and everyone singing to her on stage.

6. What was today's funniest performance moment?
Jen kissing the Mexican mariachi singer.

7. What was some wisdom gleaned from Miriam?
It's hard to believe, but nice to see, that people who have had it so hard, can be so happy.

8. What word best describes today?
Parade!

9. Describe today's miracle.
The parade happened and didn't get rained out.
We kept the birthday surprises from Alyssa.
Amy, Heidi, and Erin found the church.
And no one was trapped inside the elevator for very long.

10. What cultural a-ha moment did you experience?
See- Missionaries! (during our private church services)
Touch- Felt the sun (during the parade)
Hear- Hymns
Smell- Crowds of people
Taste- Smorgasbord and birthday cake

Sunday

It was a LONG and fun Sunday. There's much to be said about it, but it's after 2 a.m. in Romania, and this Blogger needs her sleep.
So enjoy a few of the pictures from Sunday, and we'll get back to you soon with real stories and explanations. (We leave for Serbia in less than 7 hours.)

The Show Must Go On!

After you've traveled thousands and thousands of miles to attend a festival, you don't let a little rain stand in the way of your show.
The rains came down and down again in Timisoara today, but "the show must go on!" With the audience huddled under umbrellas, several countries put on a great show tonight. Due to the rain the audience was fairly subdued most of the evening. But when Clog America took the stage, people got excited.
The audience clapped along, and little kids even got up and started to dance the do-si-do in the rain.
The stage is a large shell, with amazing acoustics. The taps of the clogging shoes resonate and echo loudly, creating a thunderous sound combined with the pouring rain outside. This video doesn't do it justice, but here's the last few seconds of "precision" tonight.

Timisoara, Romania

We have arrived in beautiful Timisoara, Romania. We're staying in a nice little hotel, right off the main town plaza (called a piata in Romanian). There are dozens of shops, cafes, gelato, live music, and more just a few walking steps away from our door, and we are loving it. Last night many of our group members took advantage of "Jazz Fest" happening in the square, and stayed out late for a lively, packed concert with Al Jarreau.

There was supposed to be a parade when we arrived yesterday, but due to the rain, it got canceled at the very last second. But since the band was in costume already, they decided to make the most of it, and went out into the square and put on their own show.

The next thing you know, dozens of people had gathered around to watch the band. They even called out a few requests! The highlight was when a Romanian woman, who now lives in the States, suddenly stepped out and started to clog! Our founder and leader, Dennis, quickly joined her. The crowd loved it! It was fun to watch!

After dinner we went over to the festival, held in the "Park of Roses" and watched a few of the other groups. This festival has street vendors with lots of food, local wares, etc. We're very excited to spend more time there today, and perform tonight!

Tour History, Thursday, July 10, Ashlyn Maynes and Aly Langworthy

1. What is today's location, weather, and landscape?
Timisoara, Romania. Rainy, green, and beeeautiful!

2. What was today's most interesting/delicious/gross food?
The chicken that tasted like a chain smoker's mouth!

3. Where and for whom did Clog America perform?
The dancers performed parade routines for people in the hotel lobby while the band performed out in the street and earned over 200 lei!

4. What was today's funniest overheard comment?
While saying goodbye to our cute Herculane guides, one said, "Keep touching!" instead of "Keep in touch!"

5. What act of kindness did you observe today?
Everyone carrying not only their own luggage down the hill, but going back up to help others.

6. What was today's funniest performance moment?
Adam froze on his turn playing Arkansas Traveler. The band had to skip over him before they crashed and burned.

7. What was some wisdom gleaned from Miriam?
When you see something you love, buy it!

8. What word best describes today?
Traveling!

9. Describe today's miracle.
The rain stopped at least long enough to watch some of the countries perform.

10. What cultural a-ha moment did you experience?
See- Beautiful green trees and picturesque houses
Touch- Wet rain
Hear- The sounds of Romanian folk music
Smell- Meats, juice, and roasted nuts at the festival
Taste- Chocolate! Mmm!!

Ukrainian Dancers

We have all fallen in love with the tiny Ukrainian dancers. The grownup dancers are awesome people too, but we can't help but love their adorable little people.

Romanian Dancers in Baile Herculane

Clog America Performs "Stop on a Dime" in Baile Herculane, Romania

Tour History, Wednesday, July 9, with Adam and Chrissy Keller

1. What is today's location, weather, landscape?
Baile Herculane, Romania, Afrodita Hotel

2. What was today's most interesting/delicious/gross food?
A delicious breakfast (as is every morning in the Afrodita Hotel) with sunny-side up eggs, bacon, cheese, fruit, yogurt, cereal, etc. Lunch was a delectable vegetable based soup, followed by grilled chicken and pork, topped with a cream sauce, with baby corn salad as a garnish. Yum!

3. Where and for whom did Clog America perform?
We performed our last show in the 44th Annual Folk Festival of Hercules. There was a huge crowd tonight, and the walls were lined with people.

4. What was today's funniest overheard comment?
When saying goodbye to our guide, Denisa, she said, "Keep touching," instead of "Keep in touch."

5. What act of kindness did you see today?
Our sweet waiters and servers at the restaurant watched our performance from the balcony of the hotel (they couldn't come to the theater because they had to work).

6. What was today's funniest performance moment?
Peter was taking a selfie on-stage, which Nate was trying to photobomb, when all of a sudden the announcer called out Nate's name to recognize him as the music director.
Sariah forgot to come out for her trio in the Camilla Clog.
The Turkish dancers throwing Caden in the air. (Picture or video to come soon.)

7. What was some wisdom gleaned from Miriam?
She taught us the details of tulip fever (1593 Turkey/Netherlands).

8. What word best describes today?
Relaxing! (Massages, pool time, and free time!)

9. Describe today's miracle.
We can still hear after the loud show music and loud karaoke music and the loud dinner show. (The dinner performer won Romania's Got Talent. You can see a bit of his show here -http://instagram.com/p/qPgKyOM1s5/?modal=true  Works best on a tablet or phone.)

10. What cultural a-ha moment did you experience today?
I learned that the country of Moldova speaks Romanian as their first language and Russian as their second.
See- green scenic hike, shops in the "down center," our people lining the walls of the amphitheater to watch the other groups
Touch- We hugged our beautiful tour guides and waiters goodbye
Hear- Incredibly loud, but talented, karaoke singing after hours with our Romanian guides and Rita
Smell- Nasty sulfur smell from the hot springs
Taste- Raw oats, warm milk, yogurt with honey, greek salad, cheesecake

When in Romania...

Georgian Dancers

We have the unique and enjoyable privilege of traveling the world to perform and entertain. We represent the United States, and teach about our heritage and culture through song and dance. We are also, in turn, educated and entertained through song and dance by the representatives from other countries. While attending these festivals can be a lot of fun, we go home having learned so much more than a textbook or newspaper could have ever taught us. We learn about our host countries, host families, and the cultures of the other countries represented in dance.
This little video of a Georgian dance shares a lot about their history. Without knowing anything else about their culture, you can see how the strength and power of the men was valued and how the women prized the strong warriors.

Clog America Performs Rawhide in Baile Herculane

Forgive the quality of this video. It was only taken on my little handheld camera, and not by professionals. Nor was it edited. It's just a small taste of the show to share with our families back home! Enjoy!

The International Spirit of Friendship

Caden, Emily, and Josh in costume with some cute little dancers from Ukraine

One thing that has really struck me on this tour is the international spirit of friendship. In Belgrade we saw it with the generosity of the host families. They opened up their homes, invited us in, cooked for us, drove us around, and helped with all sorts of problems. They weren't paid for this. In fact, some of them probably spent a good deal of money to host and feed us. But they did it anyway out of a spirit of friendship that stems from the common language of dance and performance.
As dancers there is a common ground and understanding amongst everyone. We all understand the hard work, sore feet, time, and effort that is required to travel and perform. Not only does the story our dancing tell share a message and the history of our country matter, but the friendships and respect built among the teams matters too. It's not just about the 20 minute show we put on. There is much more to these tours than that. Increased understanding and appreciation for other cultures is good for everyone.

Tour History: 8 July 2014 - Sariah LaMont and Amber Henrie

1. What is today's location, weather, landscape?
Location: Baile Herculane, Romania
Weather: Hot and HUMID
Landscape: Beautiful, green mountain town

2. What was today's most interesting/gross/delicious food?
Peaches and vanilla ice cream for dessert at lunch

3. Where and for whom did Clog America perform?
Herculane Festival - for lots of happy Romanians!

4. What was today's funniest overheard comment?
Peter switched hats with an announcer kid on stage, and took a selfie with him. (An adorable, chunky Romanian kid). And he (the kid) yelled, "This is LIVING!"

5. What act of kindness did you observe today?
Ivan bought everyone's drinks at the restaurant because we didn't know you had to pay for them!

6. What was today's funniest performance moment?
Jen kissed the Mexican mariachi singer!

7. What was some wisdom gleaned from Miriam?
"Get two cards if you're going swimming... so you can get a robe AND a towel."

8. What word best describes today?
ZIPLINE!

9. Describe today's miracle.
It stopped raining right before it was our turn to perform!

10. What cultural a-ha moment did you experience today?
See- Statue of Hercules
Touch- Rain while watching festival
Hear- Screams- as people got pushed over in "tantirosa" game
Smell- Sweat... and the sulfur from the river
Taste- Yummy Fanta! (It's better in Romania!)

Picture from the Independence Day event at the US Embassy in Belgrade

We had a great time last week performing at the US Ambassador's Residence in Belgrade. We got this great picture with the Ambassador. Thanks again for having us!

The Blogger Apologizes

The Blogger apologizes for the lack of posts. She's had an internet shortage. But she's happy to report that she's found wi-fi again, and is catching up on the backlog of tour histories, pictures, and videos. Much more to come, just as soon as she's gotten some sleep. Scroll down the page, and you'll find some backdated posts.

Thanks,
The Blogger

PS- the Blogger reminds you that there is still lots of good content up on Instagram.com/ClogAmerica just waiting for you. And you don't have to have an Instagram account to view it. 

Sunday, July 6, Tour History: Amy Dayton and Cat Larsen

Standing on the rooftop of the Belgrade Chapel

1. What was today's location, weather, and landscape?
Belgrade, lakeside park, volleyball arena, and LDS chapel.

2. What was today's most delicious/interesting/gross food?
Delicious sausage and chicken hot off the grill at the Talija BBQ by the lake.

3. Where and for whom did Club America perform?
We sang "Love One Another" at the Belgrade 1st Branch, and Cat and Amy performed every trick in their bag for the nursery children (who all spoke Serbian).

4. What was today's funniest overheard comment?
"My purse fringe touched the ground in the squatty potty."

5. What act of kindness did you observe today?
Miranda carried Cat's guitar to the lake beach. Everyone's kind notes in Amy's birthday book, and her surprise birthday party.

6. What was today's funniest performance moment?
Clog America-USA-Volleyball Team-Pep Club's performance to the Serbian team's glares.

7. What was some wisdom gleaned from Miriam?
If you pay for everyone's drinks and leave a big tip in Serbia, everyone is happy and gets to sit in the padded chairs under the umbrellas.

8. What word best describes today?
Spirited.
1. We felt the Spirit in church.
2. The high spirited USA cheering section at the volleyball game.
3. The cool lake water lifted our spirits.

9. Describe today's miracle.
The whole group not getting separated en route to the lake park (walk, bus, walk, walk through park). Thank heaven for Miranda as our lighthouse!

10. What cultural a-ha moment did you experience today?
Serbians love coming to the lake and enjoying each other's company (talking, playing sports, eating, swimming), and being transported by shopping cart.
See- Lots of families enjoying themselves in the park.
Touch- The germy toys in the nursery
Hear- USA, USA, USA!
Smell- grilled meat on the BBQ grill
Taste- Birthday Starburst candy