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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

Caden gets the full European experience in just one night

We are staying with host families for the first leg of our trip to Serbia. Our host families have been very kind and generous. This is Caden's first trip to Europe. If you've ever been to Europe, you'll understand why we say he got the full European experience in one night. (We all got a good laugh.)

We've made it to Belgrade

We've made it to Belgrade!

The members of Klub Talija have been very generous and kind. We are staying in club member homes around Belgrade for the first few days. What a fun way to get to know them and the Serbian lifestyle. 

We had a great dinner and afternoon at the Klub Talija clubhouse. It's a floating restaurant on a river, with a beautiful dock and scenery. 

Be sure to check twitter.com/clogamerica and instagram.com/clogamerica for more updates and pictures!

Tour History by Jen Garrard and Amber Henrie, July 1 and 2

1. What is today's location, weather, and landscape?
SLC airport, airplane, more airplane, Detroit airport, airplane, Paris airport, airplane, Belgrade, Talija clubhouse on the water with a groovy bridge in the distance, and then off to host families.
Weather: Jen: Hot. Amber: Perfection.

2. What was today's interesting/delicious/gross food?
Airplane chicken that was slabs of slimy meat.
And yummy tomatoes, cheese, cucumbers, beef, sausage, "hot" green peppers that Josh and David ate.

3. Where did Clog America perform?
n/a

4. What was today's funniest overheard comment?
After josh and David ate peppers, Josh's wasn't that hot, but David's was really hot. David said, "I'm so relieved! I thought I'd become a hot sissy." (hot food sissy)

5. What act of kindness did you observe today?
Host families hosting us for 5 days, great dinner provided, excellent boys carrying heavy bags. A stranger helped Jen with her carryon in the first airplane- there is kindness everywhere.

6. What was today's funniest performance moment?
Clapping for the music video.

7. What was some wisdom gleaned from Dennis?
Dennis isn't shy when he meets/remeets someone. He hugged Jen and kissed her multiple times.

8. What word best describes today?
Tired, travel worn, lost luggage, but also glad to be here!

9. What was the worst injury?
Erin's blister (the social media person), and she fell asleep standing up.
Alyssa's mental injury from losing her luggage.

10. What cultural a-ha moment did you experience today?
Serbia has delicious tomatoes.
Serbian language does not sound anything like any language I know of.
The plane fed us food!
The man sitting next to Emily on the plane wore a shirt that said, "sex instructor, 1st lesson free."
Always wear your wedding ring- our guide winked at Amber when he met her.
Amber says European's smell good. Jen disagrees. 

FIFA World Cup - Korea

Clog America the Movie

In Germany- Hoedown

Clog America in Zacatecas, Mexico, 2005.

Serbian-American Night, July 5, 2014

Sold!

 In China- during assembly at a school...Adam Keller singing "Sold"

You can make a difference in the life of an orphan!

Clog America needs your help!

Clog America will tour Romania and Serbia in July. While we travel, we make it a point to visit different charitable organizations, and make a difference where we can, not just through dance and music, but through love and giving.

This year we will be visit Zdrinka Pavlovic, an orphanage in Serbia for 35-40 disabled or abandoned children. We are collecting various items to help the orphanage better serve their children. 

During the month of May, flooding caused widespread devastation in Belgrade, Serbia. Our help in this area is needed now more than ever! Your donations can help bring aid to those left homeless by these floods, and can help us bring aid to the orphanage that originally inspired this humanitarian project. Keep reading for more details. Every dollar helps!

Our goal is to raise enough money to provide the children with as many of the following items as possible:
Hygiene kits
Pajamas
Clothes for young adults
Underwear for ages 6-18
Crayons
Jump Ropes
Small Blankets (I know some of you are quilters out there! How about a small twin sized quilt or bedspread for an orphanage?) 
Soccer Balls
Sock Puppets
Bedding size 90 x 190cm
Mattress
Bed
Dishwasher
Deep Fryer


A percentage of the money raised will go towards the items listed above, and towards the relief efforts to help those affected by the floods in Belgrade. We are accepting physical donations of the above items, as well as monetary donations.

You can contribute towards these efforts on the GoFundMe page - http://www.gofundme.com/7aih94 .