America\u27s Clogging Hall of Fame: Tradition and Innovation in Mountain Dance

The folk-dance community of the Southern Appalachians has changed significantly over the last 100 years, but dancers have also retained many of the traditional dance styles of the Appalachian people. Due to a tradition of innovation that has been established within the competition circuits (referred to as ‘sanctions’ by competitors), monumental changes in both style and technique happen quite frequently. Attitudes surrounding Traditional and Contemporary Competition dance styles are completely different now than even 5 years ago. This short documentary focuses on America’s Clogging Hall of Fame (ACHF), one of the 3 clogging sanctions that were created in the later 1900s. Recent philosophical changes in the greater clogging community have been reflected in the rules and regulations of ACHF. Widely known as the ‘Traditional’ sanction, the film explores the organization’s attempts to find a balance between honoring the traditions of the past and pushing the boundaries of the Contemporary clogging styles. Documentary time: 10 min. Technical Requirements: Computer, sound system, projecto