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Clogging Time

By Leigh Anne Butler

In today’s fast-paced, phone-driven world where music is often downloaded and listened to with earbuds, being able to hear music and toe-tapping that is actually making music itself is a refreshing thing.  Clogging is what we’re referring to and it has made its way to Tallassee.

The Pointed Toe, a locally owned dance studio, and the Tallassee Recreation Center both offer clogging classes to anyone who would like to pick up a new hobby.

Clogging is an American type of folk dance that is done in time with music, often bluegrass, which originated in the Appalachian Mountains. 

Pam Grizzard teaches the classes that are offered through the Tallassee Recreation Department.

 “I was married to a man that was in a bluegrass band.  The first time I saw clogging I fell in love with it,” Grizzard explains.  “I couldn’t find anyone to teach me, so I taught myself.  I watched and learned from the dancers.  When I finally took my first class, I already knew the basic moves.  I’ve been clogging for about 35 years now.”

Grizzard offers two one-hour classes, a beginner and intermediate class, at the Recreation Center in Tallassee on Thursday evenings.

“It’s not hard to learn.  It looks a lot harder than it actually is.  Once you break down the basic steps, anyone can do it,” Grizzard states.  “It’s not just about the dancing.  There is great fellowship and can be wonderful family time.  It’s also a great form of exercise.  You can work off about 400 calories and hour clogging.”

Grizzard’s clogging classes are offered to all ages and both males and females can participate.

Lessons at The Pointed Toe

Kari Pierce teaches clogging at The Pointed Toe.  Pierce has been dancing since she was four and has been clogging since she was about eight-years-old.  When Pierce lived in Nashville, she performed and trained under Clyde Richardson of the world famous Grand Ole Opry Square Dancers.

“I started clogging because I wanted to dance to country music,” Pierce tells.  “Clogging has really evolved and is going more mainstream now crossing over into many music genres.  There really is something for everyone.”

Pierce teaches about ten girls on Monday evenings.  “It is fun to teach the kids something that is hundreds of years old.”

If you would like more information about either clogging class, contact the Tallassee Recreation Department at (334) 283-4726 or The Pointed Toe at (334) 991-4689.  

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