Begin the New Year with a chance to get healthier, meet great friends and travel the world. Come to a free Cripple Creek Clogger' rehearsal and practice session at 4:15 Sunday afternoon, January 13, 2019, in the Smyrna Senior Citizens Center, 100 Raikes Street and learn more. All interested adults are invited to attend, and there is no charge for participation.
This is the 52nd year of the Cripple Creek Cloggers. It is a teaching and performing folk dance troupe who demonstrate traditional Appalachian style square dancing with a clogging steps. It was founded in 1967 by then Kittrell School Teacher Steve Cates who started the the group as a 4-H activity. Since then thousands of young people and adults have participated. The Cripple Creek Cloggers have traveled and performed in all of the continental United States, Canada, Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, all areas of Europe, and Morocco.
In 1982, the troupe began serving as host to the Murfreesboro based International Folkfest, a festival featuring traditional dances and music from around the world.
Founder Cates noted, "Those who attend the Sunday rehearsal and practice sessions can learn how to perform this traditional Appalachian style folk dance, and are eligible to be considered for touring."
Cripple Creek Cloggers have received invitations to represent the U.S. this year at international folkloric festivals in Bosnia and Herzegovena, Sardinia (Italy), Portugal and Netherlands, among others. They are privileged to work with excellent bluegrass musicians in Tennessee, Czech Republic, and Croatia during their travels.
The June 9-16, 2019 International FolkFest here in Murfreesboro will welcome folk dance troupes from three foreign countries to perform with the Cripple Creek Cloggers throughout Middle Tennessee.
Cates confirmed, "Folk troupes from the Czech Republic and Mexico have been confirmed so far."
If anyone has a question or needs more information about the Cripple Creek Cloggers or its activities, contact Steve Cates at appdancer@aol.com or by calling 615-896-3559. You might also wish to check these websites: www.mboro-international-folkfest.org or www.cripplecreekcloggers.org
