Holiday break is over! Cloggers everywhere return to the studio this week, and Fancy Free is no exception. Our recreational class resumed Tuesday evening with much catching up and joy and a little bit of height comparison - I swear some of the kids grew an inch after our Christmas party!
I’m seeing announcements galore for teams starting beginner classes this month. Awesome! I look forward to meeting your new folks at workshops or other events this year!
Decorating the sequin pillow for class is something we started shortly before Christmas. Lexi kicked off our 2020 art gallery by listing the year and putting fireworks around it!
Fancy Free’s first 2020 class included a team grandma gently returning to clogging after back surgery, an adult taking her first clogging class ever, a kid who has been unable to attend during basketball (but his game got cancelled this particular evening), a teenager who was out all last year, plus our usual Tuesday night dancers.
My director Evie doesn’t hold specific beginner classes for a set number of weeks; a new dancer can show up at 6:00 for any regular Tuesday class. Bob, the beginner instructor, adjusts the material accordingly for whoever is there. He is willing to break down a double toe and a basic every week if necessary. Then, Evie gets any newcomer going with a basic fun dance or two.
Participating with beginner class is a fun reminder of how exciting it is to get your first pair of clogging shoes or to learn a more complicated step like the (gasp!) charleston. We were all beginners once, and I admire and respect instructors who can break down the steps and make a new clogger feel comfortable on the dance floor.
Of course “Cotton-Eyed Joe” made the playlist! Poor Carrie and I had a rough time with it - she slipped and almost fell on the first California twirl, and I followed suit on the second twirl. It’s a wonder we both remained upright.
No teaches tonight except walking through a few easy fun dances for the new person. Evie took requests all evening and led the class in a sassy strut during “Respect.”
Krista requested an oldie-but-goodie. We did a decent job breaking this one out of the memory bank.
Evie shared plans for the upcoming year. Lots of exciting stuff!
Wishing everyone a great year of clogging!
What are YOU looking forward to in clogging this year?