Dec 07 2022 67 mins
In this episode, you'll take a deep dive into Appalachian Flatfooting, Clogging, and the general dance history of the Carolinas. You'll also hear the origin story of Rodney Clay Sutton, recognized as a Master Folk Artist in North Carolina.
With a lifelong career in music and dance, Rodney is both a preserver and an innovator in Appalachian Percussive Styles, and was an early member of the world-renowned Green Grass Cloggers.
We spend time talking about Rodney's influences and early life, the evolution of the dance stylings of the Green Grass Cloggers, walking the line between tradition and innovation, and how some of the steps and dances in the GGC repertoire came about.
Other topics include:
- The importance of LIVE MUSIC for performance
- How dance contests affect the perpetuation and evolution of a style
- The relationships between old-fashioned and contemporary clogging
- Cultural sensitivity in dance education
- Dancers and educators like Willard Watson, Robert Dotson, Dudley Culp, Amy Sarli, and more
Links Mentioned
Rodney's Website
Rodney's Facebook Page
Talking Feet Film
Green Grass Cloggers
Appalachian Flatfooting & Clogging Academy
Music Used:
Sugar Hill by Jim Couch (Harlan County, Kentucky)
Digital Library of Appalachia
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