In 1965 I was making my first documentary for television. I once titled it Music Makers of the Blue Ridge but these days I title it Bluegrass Roots. I was 23 years old and I was headed to the mountains of North Carolina, to Asheville, to meet and film 82 year old Bascom Lamar Lunsford. I had written him a letter asking if I could accompany him as he sought talent for his great music and clog dance festival - the Asheville Mountain Music Festival which had been going on since 1929!
I spent weeks shooting this film with Bascom and his wife Freda, filming with a 16 mm sound camera and a friend carrying a Nagra audio recorder. Bascom told me that he was going to invite a clog dance group to his house in South Turkey Creek about 12 miles out of Asheville for a dance demonstration. He said he would roll up the living room rug so we could hear their feet as they clogged on the wooden floor. And so this scene happened and I absolutely loved filming it.
Although my camera rig was 49 pounds with a battery, I danced with the dancers with glee and recorded one of the best scenes that I have ever filmed. And the back up musicians? The best in bluegrass, mountain, old time music. The musicians included Obray Ramsey and Bascom's relative Ray Lunsford. In one moment you can see me & my camera in the mirror filming the scene.
In the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina clog dancing has been an important part of social gatherings, community events and local celebrations. It was historically a way for communities to come together, share storie, and pass down traditions through generations. Nowadays, it is still a vibrant part of the region's cultural heritage and is often showcased at festivals, fairs, and local performances. Various dance groups and schools help to preserve this tradition, teaching new generations of dancers the steps and history of clog dancing in Appalachia.
Clog dancing has deep roots in the region's history and culture. This energetic and rhythmic dance style is a blend of several European and African-American influences, including English, Scottish, Irish, and African dance forms. Clog dancing typically involves intricate footwork, heel-and-toe tapping, and syncopated rhythms, making it visually and aurally engaging.
To be a great clog dancer, an individual must possess a combination of physical abilities, technical skills, and a deep understanding of the cultural roots and traditions associated with the dance form. Some key factors are:
Mastery of rhythm and timing is essential for a clog dancer to execute the steps accurately and in sync with the music.
Clog dancing involves intricate footwork, making it necessary for a dancer to have excellent agility and coordination to move gracefully and quickly.
The energetic nature of clog dancing requires a strong lower body and cardiovascular endurance to maintain performance levels throughout a routine and to make it all look easy.
A great clog dancer will have a strong foundation in dance technique, with an emphasis on precise footwork, correct body posture, and appropriate arm movements.
Understanding the nuances of the music and its relationship with the dance allows a performer to express the emotions and energy of the piece effectively.
A great clog dancer should possess personal style and flair, which can set them apart from other dancers and make their performance memorable.
A great dancer should be able to adapt to different styles, steps, and rhythms with ease.
Finally a great clog dancer must be an engaging performer, able to captivate the audience and evoke emotions through their dance.
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The one hour film ran in the primetime in 1965 and got the cover i've TV Guide with a fabulous review. Today it is considered a classic and I am proud that so many subscribers and others have chosen to watch it – many more than once. Thank you Bascom Lamar Lunsford and all those who appeared with him in my film.
