Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05

May 15, 2008 issue

Appalachian Rhythm Cloggers Shine in Competitions: See Them Live at Showcase of the Stars May 29


Thirty-seven of the 55 Appalachian Rhythm Dancers that competed in the National Clogging Showdown of Champions in Spartanburg, S.C., in January gather for a team picture. In front of them are some of the trophies they have since won at regional competitions in March and April. From left to right on the front row are Scout Smith, Darcy Carson, Addie Hall, Kinsey Greene, Amanda Salmi, Kloie Greene, Julianna Silver and Leah Hampton. On the second row are Anne Taylor, Harriett Myers, Lily Smith, Ann Littlejohn, Emiline Greer, Madison Casey, Connie Reece, Bailey Messenkopf and Anna Prewitt. On the third row are Elise Sigmon, Rebekah Miller, Mary Bolster, Leah Himmelman, Stephanie Prewitt, Paige Hopkins, Brooke Penley, Savannah Parris and Ashley Payne. On the fourth row are Ashley Golden, Jordan Taylor, Tabatha Taylor, Jordan Messenkopf, Alex Vines, Marissa Pannell, Bella Stollenmaier, Kathy Cook, Ellen Hampton, Kelly Greene and Maria Jarrell. Not pictured are Katherine Golini, Mary Seramur, Emily Denny, Lexi Cranor, Amy Carson, Tricia Hall, Julia Mitchell, Rebekah Cook, Emma Ellis, Sarah Jane Gainey, Hannah Hartzog, Gracie Kral, Beth McLeod, Abby Shaki, Sharray Thrasher, Shay Trethewey, Heather Turley and Madi Zaidel.Story by Corinne Saunders

Appalachian Rhythm Clogging & Dance studio will turn two years old this August, but although it may be new, its clogging teams are ranking well nationally and bringing in trophies from recent dance competitions.

The public has a chance to see both these cloggers and other dancers whose classes aren’t geared toward competitions in action on Thursday, May 29, at 6:00 p.m. at Watauga High School.

Tickets can be purchased for $12 either in advance at the dance studio, located in Carriage Square, Suite 9, on Highway 105 Extension, or at the door on May 29.

The Showcase of the Stars is a fundraiser for Appalachian Rhythm that provides money for competitions and costumes, as well as monthly tuition and scholarship money for children who otherwise could not afford to attend a summer dance camp at the studio, said Elise Sigmon, co-director of Appalachian Rhythm.
“It’s a great, high-energy show,” Sigmon said. “[Attendees] won’t be bored; that’s for sure.”

About 85 students take classes in Pilates, clogging, cheerleading and hip hop from the eight instructors at the studio.

This year marks the second Showcase of the Stars event that is “a way to let all the kids show off what they’ve learned over the year,” Sigmon said.
“The girls work really hard, practice a lot and do really well,” she added.

Five teams totaling 55 dancers from Appalachian Rhythm qualified at regional events to attend the national clogging competition, the Clogging Showdown of Champions, held in Spartanburg, S.C., every year in January.

The Elementary team competed in the category for ages seven to nine; the Junior team in ages 10 to 11; the Senior team in ages 15 to 18; the Young Adult team in ages 19 to 29; and the Adult team in ages 30 and up.

More than 100 teams from across the country competed in the Clogging Showdown, an event organized by the Clogging Champions of America (CCA).

Four of the five Appalachian Rhythm teams—the Junior, Senior, Young Adult and Adult teams—ranked in the top five in the nation in their age division.
The Junior, Young Adult and Adult teams were each also named “Team of the Year” for having the highest scoring routine in their age division.

Six Appalachian Rhythm teams competed in the regional competitions in March and April—the Tennessee Clogging Classic in Kingsport, Tenn., and Clogfest in Brevard.

The Pee Wee, Elementary, Junior, Senior, Young Adult and Adult teams together brought home a total of 19 first, second and third place trophies from the two competitions.

For more information about dance lessons or about this summer’s Clog/Dance Camp featuring guest instructor Brandon Norris, a finalist and finale guest performer on FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance?” show, call Elise Sigmon at 828-268-1926 or Ashley Payne at 828-719-8228 or email info@apprhythm.com


Want To Go?

Date: Thursday, May 29
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Watauga High School
Cost: $12