Green Grass Cloggers
Asheville, North Carolina, United States | SELF
Music
Press
A splendid collection of never-before-released tracks by many of the old-time country groups who toured with or performed with the Green Grass Cloggers. ~ Charles S. Wolfe
- Rounder Records
"Inspired by traditional mountain-style clogging teams and influenced by older flatfoot and buck dancers...the team developed its own original eclectic style that was a stylistic departure from other North Carolina clogging teams...By 1974, with an established reputation as top-notched performers, the Green Grass Cloggers began to be invited to perform at major folk festivals throughout the United States and Canada...By the end of the 1970s, clogging groups inspired by the Green Grass Cloggers had formed in many places across the country. Overseas, the Green Grass Clogger style was adopted by groups in Japan and in England, where currently it is the predominant style of ‘Appalachian’ clogging...The performance will be a high energy, fast footwork performance with choreography based on four-couple Western square dances that should have audience appeal." - The Daily Reflector
"...A ground-breaking dance troupe that forged their own style, winning World Championship recognition in the competitions they attended in the early days."
- Charlotte Folk Society
Discography
Rounder Records, Through the Ears
Photos
Bio
The Green Grass Cloggers were founded in 1971 by students at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. Inspired by seeing traditional mountain-style clogging teams, but more influenced by older flatfoot and buck dancers met at fiddlers' conventions, they developed an original, eclectic style which was a radical departure from the traditions of North Carolina team clogging of the time.
In contrast to the 'big-set' mountain square dance figures of the traditional freestyle clogging teams, the Green Grass Cloggers used choreography based on four-couple Western square dance figures, in short energetic routines, consciously designed for audience appeal. While the group's footwork was synchronized, as in precision clogging, their free-spirited performances included head-high kicks and other unconventional steps. Dressed in old-time calico dresses, blue jeans, and black shoes, their appearance contrasted with the clean-cut look of polyester and white tap shoes common to most other groups in the 1970s.
By 1974, the group had an established reputation and was invited to perform at major folk festivals throughout the United States and Canada. From 1977 until 1987, "The Road Team," which relocated to Asheville in 1980, toured full-time nationally and internationally as a professional dance company, while "The "Home Team" remained active in eastern North Carolina. By the end of the 1970s, clogging groups inspired by the Green Grass Cloggers had formed in many places across the country. Overseas, the Green Grass Clogger-style was adopted by groups in Japan and in England, where today it is the predominant style of 'Appalachian' clogging. Today both teams perform, sometimes together, at festivals and shows across the country.
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