Meet the 2015 Team!

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

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, 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

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!

Romanian Dancers in Baile Herculane

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.