The Best Bluegrass Clog Dancing Video. How & Why I Made It

American homegrown bluegrass music. Country music. Mountain music. Old time music. Appalachian music at its best. I can't say enough about it except I love it and have since I was a young filmmaker back a long time ago.
The time was 1965. I was a 23-year-old filmmaker making my first documentary for television. I had never been to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina but I knew that the music was great from hearing it on the radio where I grew up in Levittown, Long Island. I wrote to 80 year old Bascom Lamar Lunsford after I read an article in Time magazine and asked him if I could come down and make a "movie" with him.
Bascom not only said yes with enthusiasm but told me that he had been filmed already several times before. I took my 1st plane ride and rushed to Bascom's home. He and his wife Freda took me around those mountains and introduced me to fantastic musicians, storytellers, singers, and dancers.
This now famous (at least on KZbin) clog dance scene was filmed at his home in South Turkey Creek, North Carolina. Today it is one of my most popular video clips and subscribers have asked me to tell the background story.
I feel so fortunate to have met Bascom Lamar Lunsford and all of the homegrown but absolutely spectacular singers, songwriters, flat pickers, banjo pickers, clogged answers, storytellers, that he introduced me to - the wonderful, kind and creative people who gave me the opportunity to record just a bit of their lives.
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 spent weeks filming 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 stories, and pass down traditions through generations.
Clog dancing has deep roots in the region. 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.
I could not be presenting this and other clips without support from my advertisers and I want to thank each of them. Live music Winston-Salem NC. Music in Brevard NC. Bluegrass music Asheville. Biltmore Village Asheville NC. Biltmore estate Asheville. Biltmore house Asheville. Biltmore Village shops. Lazoom Asheville. Folk Center Asheville. North Carolina Asheville Arboretum. Asheville Arboretum. Bascom. Clogging shoes. Clogging. Shania Twain Asheville. Live music Charlotte. Live music Greensboro. Bascom Lunsford Festival.
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.
These days some commentators have described feeling so sad that this era is over. Even if they had never been to the mountains to see it, they sought as a bit of American history at a simpler time with teenagers would just decent and things were as they were in the 50s. I have written in my responses just how active clog dancing and all the elements of bluegrass and mountain and old-time music from Appalachia are these days and there are probably many more clog dancers who are young today and old having done it from way back when this film was made.
I loved the people of Appalachia who treated me so kindly when I was a young filmmaker and showed me a bit of their ways. I love their music, their dance, their storytelling, their guitar, banjo, fiddle, ukulele, just as I did back when I first heard it as a 16-year-old on late night Long Island NY radio.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

here is the story behind this scene - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zoepep-Cp7Ongac

[@alfaq654]

There is something so special about that girl with the short hair. Her expressions and demeanor capture perfectly what it feels like to be that age. Even as someone born in the mid 1980s, I can somehow still relate to her youthful exuberance. That's probably why you put her as the thumbnail.

[@maryowings5755]

@@bobmalack481 Yes the girl in the black and white checked skirt, short hair and bright smile caught my attention and kept it throughout. She was marvelous.

[@leawinter1992]

I totally agree! I loved watching her dance. She really made it fun!

[@MrChazz965]

Yes, the camera loves her. She looks super happy.

[@loftonrudolph7586]

The first thing I noticed was her pretty smile and dimples. I hope life treated her well.

[@linpollitt8950]

She reminds me of a teenage Dolly Parton ❤

[@travelingtimothy]

Please go back and find some of these "kids" and have them tell their story of how that day came about for them, what was behind all the smiles, how much work it took to get to this stage, what the moment meant for them all these years later! I have watched the clip probably 50 times, love what you did, it was a destiny moment for you and maybe for them!

[@happytrailcamstoyou9509]

Another vote to find at least one of the dancers in this video, added bonus if you find the girl with the "glorious smile", as another commenter described it. They are all into their 70s by now.

[@travelingtimothy]

Probably a few live within a mile of one another. If you can identify one probably puzzle solved

[@lindytraughber5931]

@@travelingtimothy bluegrass

[@finallythere100]

They were all magnificent! And their spirit, too. Would especially love to see the cute pre-teen in the bob haircut - her smile just infectious!

[@travelingtimothy]

Well it is really cool to see young people having a wonderful time without a cellphone.

[@delavalmilker]

I was 10 years old in 1965. And watching these young people dance, even in a black-and-white movie from that time, is amazing. Their enthusiasm and happiness is infectious.

[@georgiamule]

The young people in this video are in their 70s and 80s now. Some are no doubt gone, but they have all been immortalized. Their energy and happiness are infectious. I hope they all have lived happy lives, partially because their youthful dancing has made thousands of people happy over the years, even today in 2020. Thank you.

[@Jardielin]

It's the same thing I thought!

[@themouse7506]

Now that's what I call home entertainment, ♥️♥️🇬🇧🇬🇧.

[@johnfrancis2215]

As an English man from Yorkshire I never realised that clog dancing was practiced in the states, it was common in Lancashire and Yorkshire in the 18th and 19th century and they're are still local groups of people who still keep up the tradition, this is absolutely fantastic lol

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Where do you think the people in Appalachia learned it? It was passed down from their Scots Irish ancestors who came across the Atlantic.

[@Bella-fz9fy]

Not only in the North,English clogging was done on boards in pubs right down to Devon,as well as step dancing,it was very popular.Don’t forget 83% of settlers in Appalachia were English and would have brought it over with them!

[@Kernewik101]

I've watched this so many times over the years & always wondered about their Northern English, Scots & Irish dna..wonderful to see the guy that captured this all those years ago & great that somebody funded him to do it. Its so important that the social history of ordinary folks is recorded❤❤

[@bonniekeough244]

Not many film makers capture something so monumental. Absolutely breathtaking.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Thank you Bonnie. David Hoffman Filmmaker

[@randomvintagefilm273]

He was in the right place at the right time! ❤

[@larsrons7937]

I agree. This was captivating. I felt such an urge to be there and be part of it.

[@postwar46]

This is what today's world completely lacks; a group of people who identify with a place, a way of life....... and family. Thanks for posting.

[@harpin4God]

The little gal with the bobbed hair lights up the room with that smile!,

[@hansmueller3029]

Hers is the face that brought many to my mind and prompted my comment below.

[@aidanjordan8764]

My thoughs exactly, she is the epitome of sweet innocent country beauty!!!

[@paulettetrimble7380]

Mesmerizing smile!!

[@mrthomas394]

My thoughts exactly I'd love to see see how she looks now... Fantastic video

[@BE_SUEQ]

I so agree.... :)

[@williambunter3311]

The girl with the check skirt and short bobbed hair is so beauuuuutiful!!

[@katkrause679]

Her smile is just so radiant.

[@wendyleeconnelly2939]

She reminds me a little of American skater Janet Lynn, who would have been a rough contemporary (from a different part of the country)

[@happytrailcamstoyou9509]

I discovered this video just a couple weeks ago, must have watched it 100 times since then. I turned 12 in 65, so some of the dancers aren't much older than I am. I fell madly in love with the girl dancer that has the prettiest smile I've ever seen, makes me melt! For those kids to be as polished as pros, they must have started years earlier. The choreography is impeccable and energetic!

[@Beatlefan67]

Me too - I'm the same age as you!

[@briasmith4347]

I’m just a young 25 year old African American girl and I really enjoyed this

[@alanleaker6370]

Young girl with her beautiful smiling face is a pure star

[@venician2face]

Every time I see this, I break out bawling, for joy and sorrow at the same time. Somehow, it touches my Appalachian roots, roots that are long lost. In these people I see my Grandparents, Great Grandparents and Great Uncles and Aunts. I long for them and those times. We need this film to be immortalized for all time, so our progeny can see what we once were.

[@nancyhobson9710]

I am in Australia and learned from my Irish great grandparents

[@stanibol]

Well I am German native, not so new Australian. The Celts traversed Europe, remember?

[@stanibol]

Folk and Bluegrass groups exist in Australia, but I have not seen such a dynamic lot of Schuhplattlers before. I'm totally transfixed. Whilst this energetic footwork is done on wooden (wood sprung) floor, it is okay for bones and joints, but please do not do this jumping on concrete floor unless seeking knee replacement by middle age. The music certainly keeps the parasites away and virus get sweated out. Healthy fun.

[@snoopyismydog5695]

whats lost forever is not just the dancing, sad

[@undergroundmixsessions]

Yeah kinda makes me think of the Native Americans...They probably also used to enjoy dancing around in a group. amoungs their family and friends.

[@burleybater]

My soul just did a complete lift off when the kids started dancing. Fifty-five years later an entire nation aches for this, and hardly knows what it's missing. I can feel the Irish Scot roots.....but the flavor comes out baked just right in pure Americana. This is ironclad, forged straight into the heart of the strength of a nation. Clogging is equal in pure joy to a long ride on a Dixie Flyer down a straight incline with no traffic. We can all be thankful such moments were recorded.

[@beaupeep]

Amen!

[@normawilson7941]

It’s ULSTER SCOTS NOT IRISH PLEASE GET IT RIGHT. It’s offensive to my kith and kin. It was PRESBYTERIAN NOT CATHOLIC.

[@fuelingforthelight]

@@normawilson7941 Oh shut up.

[@burleybater]

@@tamaski You have my deepest sympathies. The literary tradition isn't quite dead yet.

[@luciusesox1luckysox570]

Started in English cotton mills .

[@trishhobbsphillips3478]

I love the little girl with the bowl cut and dimples; she is too precious!

[@drsjwhitman45]

My mother, of Scots/Irish descent, was from Van Lear, Kentucky. I learned to dance and love this music as a child in the late 1940s and through the 1950s. I use this video when I teach my university American History courses. Thanks for the memories.

[@saffronista]

Love this video. The wee girl with the checked skirt smiled the whole way through. She really enjoyed her dancing. Where are they all now....I’m in Scotland by the way but love Bluegrass music.

[@samuelbarham8483]

It must be odd but, perhaps, pleasing? to see Scottish (and Irish) culture reflected and transformed in the New World.

[@brucecollins4729]

@@samuelbarham8483 well, the scots brought their fiddle music over. there are a few scottish fiddle tunes and sangs the south

[@saucejohnson9862]

She seemed to be the star of the show. I do wonder how many of the men ended up in Vietnam.

[@marilyngalvan8586]

She is a joy to watch. I wonder who these wonderful dancers are and if they still are dancing. I wish we knew their names and if they stayed in Appalachia

[@duncancallum]

I loved the video also Margaret , but watching the young Lass with the Check dress was so lovely to see her smiling face, as you could see that she loved doing that kind of dance .Duncan from Bonnie Scotland i must have been 10 years older than her when the video was done .

[@mikeoreilly4020]

Instant cure for the depressed. How could you not smile?

[@razony]

This is America People. The many faces, sounds, smiles and clogs. I LOVE America!!! Wonder where the young girl in the short hair, white blouse ànd checked skirt. What a smile! 😊

[@reginaweiner3817]

Me too! 🇺🇲

[@annj8137]

Me too.

[@mntlblok]

@@annj8137 See above. . .

[@proudpappaw]

I've been smitten and in love with that girl in the checkered skirt ever since seeing this at least a couple of decades ago. What a sweet spirit shining through that sunny, dimpled smile.

[@anetajohnson8446]

Hay, Me too! She is as fresh as a new Apple pie!

[@Px828]

I wonder what happened to her...

[@billsamuls7620]

I THINK IV BEEN ON HERE BEFORE BUT I SAY IT AGAIN LOVE IT LOVE IT FROM LONDON ENGLAND

[@ivorbiggun710]

Watching this from England and I have to say this is absolutely wonderful. I couldn't stop grinning like a Cheshire Cat. It made my heart sing.

[@ShaneAMason]

I just cant help coming back to this time and time again. I want to be there dancing.

[@MissRebekah1974]

Not only are they still doing this in the Appalachians but they still have the same values. Honest day's work for an honest day's pay, be kind to neighbors, respect each other, look the other person in the eye, give a good handshake and mean it, remember who your family is and act like it, and treat your sweetheart like the treasure they are. City folk could learn something from these 'Back-Woods Hicks and Hillbillies'. Aunt B

[@truthseeker9688]

Aunt B amen!

[@lindamaemullins5151]

Yep ❤️

[@bonniegarber9915]

Amen!

[@raymondrose1065]

In these troubled times what a tonic watching these kids dance love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Aunt B

[@TSC-hr7ir]

Yes Sir

[@loisgibson4240]

The girl with the big smilelooks like Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird. I know it's not her, but look a like.

[@lauramosier4393]

she's so precious

[@nealdmiller]

That is freaking unreal! Seen this clip a 100 times and it is exactly my thought every...single...time... Go Lois!! 😊 Hope all are safe and well!

[@AlanHandsome_]

Isn’t that smile heart melting? Really beautiful face.

[@ashwinisarah]

She looks like a young Elizabeth Moss

[@shannonhenson609]

Actually, she's a good bit cuter than Scout.

[@gazza2933]

I don't think that this is an exaggeration but this video almost has a 'cult' following. Well deserved too! Guys. Fantastic! Best Wishes from England.

[@DrewJ79]

This is what we've lost in this country today. Good wholesome family fun, multiple generations in one room. Its no wonder everyone is full of themselves and have no respect for others now days. This is what needs to come back in homes all over the nation and then maybe we will see change. Family being together is what teaches our young ones how to love and respect others.

[@MrRljohnson77]

My grandfather was a mountain, circuit riding preacher from Appalachia, Virginia. He was well known as a "buck and wing" dancer. They called him Reverend Legs!

[@torvilasulvstle362]

"My father was a mountaineer, his fist was a knotty hammer, he was quick on his feet as a running deer, and spoke with a Yankee stammer."

[@torvilasulvstle362]

My father was a mountaineer, his fist was a knotty hammer, he was quick on his feet as a running dear and he spoke with a Yankee stammer. Well, some are born in linen fine , and some are a Godling's scion, but I was born on a twig of pine, in the skin of a mountain lion. Tom Russel, 1. verse of "The Ballad of William Sycamore". Listen to it!

[@donnainmt]

My cousin's daughter teaches clogging in Montana. Her group has won Nationals two years in a row AND have been invited to perform before Queen Elizabeth on New Year's Eve 2022!!! Oh yes, clogging is still a rage!

[@hannecatton2179]

Will Queen Elizabeth 2 still be alive and kicking in 2022 or will she have ´popped her clogs´ as the Brits say ?

[@immaggiethesenilegoldenret7918]

Donna McQueen Cool!!

[@georgiamule]

That’s really special. Can you put up a video of the group?

[@ronaldcarmona5485]

What is the name of her group so I can see their video?

[@poetcomic1]

@@hannecatton2179 She'll live long enough to hear people say "Meghan Markle who?"

[@sewjostudio]

I will never forget the time I was in Clarksburg, WV leaving a church meeting. I had to stop and get a cold soda and stopped at a local Hardees. There in the back of the main dining room were about 10 musicians ranging in age from teen to 90 playing bluegrass. They meet every Sunday night to make music and of course there were a few cloggers there. I was enthralled. This was only a few weeks after I had moved from the big city to take a job with USDA in Appalachia. I have never seen real poverty until I lived there but I also have never experience the true joy of living until I lived there.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

You're very fortunate to have had this life experience. A life- changing experience.

[@catherinehiggins8006]

I was raised in Clarksburg WV and had my first real job at that Hardee's when I was 16. I'm not born in the south but I have lived in the south all my life....these people are the salt of the earth kind of people. I'm 49 now and only had being a Yankee held against me once and it was because I like my cornbread sweet.lol

[@brwpe7733]

You dayum Yankee 😉

[@keithfreeland7638]

Clarksburg isn't real poverty I've been to that Hardees many time's if it's the one off of Rt. 50. You need to go to Boone County, WV to see real poverty.

[@gregoryriley9946]

I love this paragraph, so much in so little. Thank you.

[@cdog6725]

I love watching the young girl with the checkered skirt and short haircut, her beautiful smile is infectious😊, what a beautiful young lady, lights up the room.

[@carolynessary2408]

Everytime I see this I just get a warm feeling in my heart and the girl with the short hair and beautiful smile ,it is beautiful ❤️

[@Jimserac]

Highest accolades to the film maker. You have captured a priceless moment in time, an example of authentic American culture which one will not see in the "news" media or Hollywood glorification of sex, violence and war. There is a real America, always has been, always will be. It is timeless and, most importantly of all, it is REAL !!

[@beaupeep]

Well Said!

[@mydyisgod]

Amen and so true. Great videos.

[@thyslop1737]

I would describe it as a culture of death with a bed of lying and hypocrisy for seasoning to keep us safe and protect our freedom.

[@rubynibs]

Went for the folklore and folkdance, and recorded the end of an era of American history. And what a great eye, to focus on that little girl with the smile. I don't normally rewatch anything, but I've watched this several times since it's been on KZbin. Glad to hear the mountains still ring with clog dancing.

[@beyondonethousand]

Precisely put.

[@hillbillyheart217]

I'm from the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee and taught clogging for about a decade after dancing much of my life. The one man in the darker jeans and shoes is doing classical clogging steps but the others are closer to buck dancing or "flat foot " dancing. I am Scots-irish and cherokee. This is what we grew up doing when families came together. Now when they circled up to square dance it reminded me of some of the best memories of my life. One of my students went on to win at Maggie Valley. What a great and enjoyable way to spend time and make friendships that last forever.

[@thomaswhite935]

Kudos from the Upper Cumberland!!!!!

[@hillbillyheart217]

@@thomaswhite935 howdy neighbor lol

[@thomaswhite935]

I miss our simpler days.

[@thomaswhite935]

I too am Irish and Cherokee. Can't grow a beard. LOL

[@hillbillyheart217]

@@thomaswhite935 and all the plateau people said “amen!” Lol.

[@baptistnurse]

I have watched this video countless times. I LOVE IT! My Appalachian and Scot-Irish ancestors from long ago are calling out to me in this music and clogging! My dad (b. 1928) loved to clog and "buck dance."

[@dodgermartin4895]

I'm a bluegrass picker from the bluegrass mecca of Los Angeles. That clog dance was exactly what I experienced when I joined a bunch of people from Scotland doing traditional Scottish dancing a couple of years ago.

[@Jardielin]

It is evident that these dances are of Scottish and Irish origin.

[@brucecollins4729]

@@Jardielin irish dancing only started in ireland in 1894 after two irishmen got invited to a scots ceilidh night. scottish stepdance has been in canada since the 1700s. although i would say this comes from english/welsh clog dance.your fiddle music has it,s origins in scotland. reel music and reel dance are scottish. irish fiddle music was adopted from scotland alang with 100s of scots fiddle tunes.

[@seansean6604]

@@brucecollins4729 irish dancing started in 1894 !! Hilarious. Anti-Irish racism began in Britain around the the 13th Century. Btw Scot- land means the land of the Irish. Scoti being one of the old latin names for the Irish! Go n-éirí leis na nGael i gcónaí.

[@brucecollins4729]

@@seansean6604 the sots coming from ireland into scotland is a mythical tale written by medieval irish monks to give ireland an identity. there is absolutely nothing to suggest so. there is evidence in ireland that the first peoples to enter ireland (certainly the north) came from scotland. it,s written and pronounced gallic in scotland as it came from the gauls/galls in europe. eventually it would spread over to ireland. clog dancing in amerikay would have its origins in wales or england. scotland had stepdance but that made its way to canada. type in....history ireland reinventing tradition irish dance helen brennan...you will see where your "ceilis" music and dance came from. then type in.....ireland and the celtic culture in search of ancient ireland knowth...you will see the word celtic was adopted in the late 1800s in ireland. type in......ireland in pre-history a concise history knowth....type in .....music essays traditional irish ireland.....you will see where your reels came from. type in...book review origins of the irish...

[@seansean6604]

@@brucecollins4729 An early use of the word Scoti can be found in the Nomina Provinciarum Omnium (Names of All the Provinces), which dates to about AD 312. This is a short list of the names and provinces of the Roman Empire. At the end of this list is a brief list of tribes deemed to be a growing threat to the Empire, which included the Scoti, as a new term for the Irish.[2] There is also a reference to the word in St Prosper's chronicle of AD 431 where he describes Pope Celestine sending St Palladius to Ireland to preach "ad Scotti in Christum" ("to the Scots who believed in Christ").[3]

[@brianbradburn]

My mother is from South Turkey Creek. She graduated from the local high school in 1965. I'll bet she could identify most, if not all, of the people in this film.

[@waltharper9233]

Would love to know where everyone is now.

[@gracecheri997]

@kindinot so true. All of us kids tap danced as kids. Kids are inside today on computer and games Its sad. Activity and playing outside prevents alot of obesity. Thank you for your response. 🌼

[@TheStuport]

Brian Bradburn--- Very cool to read this....Always love the "side bar" stories such as your Mom's linkage to Mr. Hoffman's video! Cheers From Ohio

[@gracecheri997]

@@gerrynightingale9045 Very true. That is fabulous information. Clogging stemmed from that. Later the Irish Jig, and a dance called the "Stack of Barely" Ultimately Tap Dancing and Foot Dancing. Interestingly the Spanish Gypsies. With their Flaminco. Agnes DeMille, famed choreographer had a great Documentary on this. Also Michael Flatly. Thank you So Much for sharing this Interesting information. 👍 Great 🌞

[@jennylee9278]

By the time we realize how much of a treasure trove our elder relatives are they are about gone. All the time I think "I wonder if my mom..." But I can't ask my mom anymore. I'm 62 and feel like an orphan.

[@emilyhailey9713]

Grew up clogging in North Carolina and will still kick it up if I hear the right music

[@hippiecowgirl4231]

Sta Cked , Marylander here , I feel the same , it all comes back to me when I hear rocky top or fox on the run !

[@wingsofsteel3246]

It seems like it would be tiring, after a song or 2 @Sta Cked

[@summersees]

Same

[@billblount5955]

I'd love to watch you

[@luissantiago8446]

@@hippiecowgirl4231 Rocky Top yes!!!It always kicks my feet up!

[@CherokeeBird]

My grandfather used to pick a fiddle in dance halls back in the early to mid 1900's. My mother was an excellent dancer ❤

[@sjeeke]

Here I am in continental Europe and every time I come across this old dancing video, I watch it a dozen times. It's such a mood lifter. Also enamoured by that smile of the girl in the checkered dress.

[@TheGhost5600]

Thank you, Mr. Hoffman, for having the vision back then to film this great piece of Americana😍

[@solarpurplestarlight]

I love watching these kids dance and have, over and over, again! That little lady, with the short hair and dimples, along with her glorious smile, is priceless. My grandparents introduced me to this music, when I was just a little bean sprout and I am almost 58 years old now. It is definitely worth it, to watch the whole film, People. These dancers are fabulous!!! =)

[@irishcountrygirl78]

We did that as kids in Ireland. The young ones now don't do it any more.... 😔. My daughter is 5 and a dancer, but only as lessons, people don't do it much for the craic anymore.....

[@desratlinda8639]

solarpurplestarlight Yes, that little girl was really cute and all of them were really good dancers. Loved watching all these young kids dancing

[@wheezyrider5937]

Isn't she beautiful, a little girl with a big smile captured on film forever. They are all so very talented. Oh to be that fit.

[@wadepires5789]

It's funny because I thought the same thing about that little girl. She's so flipping cute.

[@deadbilly667]

What film is it? Love it

[@Jamesnebula]

Wow, where did we go wrong as a society that everyone is still not doing this. So joyful.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Clog dancing is very active today with young people in the mountains and beyond. Across the country really. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@Jamesnebula]

@@DavidHoffmanFilmmakerthat's great to hear but sadly not a lot going on in Brighton England UK 😀.

[@burleybater]

Betcha can't watch just once. It reaches down inside ya like yer studyin' for a test. Memorizing every move, every smile, every characterization, every bar of everything played.......as if some magic wave of a wand can transport you right into the middle of that room, that time, that dream, that wonder. Like you would just give anything to be part of it all. And it's no real surprise why. Buried in the middle of it all is a power and a strength that comes from belonging, and it all making sense. That is what we all hunger for, and never more those that ain't got it.

[@jacksutherland846]

3:40 her smile is like a ray of sunshine after a terrible storm.

[@ronalds.658]

This is when young people smiled from the heart.

[@jacksutherland846]

@@ronalds.658 Yup! And they (we) used to be taught the truth instead of gang-raped false history that's designed to lure youngsters into perpetuating the greedy illegitimate madness that we can't seem to avoid any longer. It really breaks my heart to be watching our sacred world turn into a big ball of spent shit.

[@ukmedicfrcs]

I am from England and although I cant say I know much about the music this video made my heart happy.

[@giftedplanksify]

Me too and the same looking at you 😀 wow you are pretty!

[@ukmedicfrcs]

@Hammerschlägen M Agreed. I love to see how geniunely happy they are. No internet needed! Lol

[@catherinealbion6955]

45 years ago we were taught this dancing at school in England. We loved it. I wish it to come back.

[@chipurBillWhite]

I make house calls UKdoctor Absolutely, mine too. And in addition to the music and dancing it’s about family and tradition.

[@robertolesen5782]

@@cschu879 Yeah, but let's see some people from Brooklyn try to dance like that. I've seen two do it but they were black.

[@williambeasley2582]

This is the true American spirit in action . These are friends family and neighbors before television enjoying themselves after a long week of work before church on sunday. This is the smiles and laughter of American.

[@lewisjeffreys9175]

Every time I feel down I play that video. That girls smile just picks me back up again

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Me too. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@priceandpride]

The snoozing Gramps and irritated mother in the middle was priceless

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

thank you. But that mother was actually not Irritated. She was shocked by the sound. I remember her still. She was a very sensitive woman who lived in a very rural area and was not used to that many people getting together. But her husband was a local photographer and he wanted to take pictures of the event. Unfortunately I never saw those pictures although I would love to have that now. David Hoffman-filmmaker

[@themermaidstale5008]

price and pride, She looked like she had a headache, to me. The granny in the photo looked very disapproving.

[@29Fiorello]

@@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker Oh

[@robertbrooks3849]

Damn if that didn't make me smile! Thanks Mr Hoffman. Always great to be reminded of better things in life.

[@cschu879]

Yeah when they weren't dancing they would be busy lynching...

[@Eli-ts3ph]

@@cschu879 What does clogging have to do with lynching?

[@cschu879]

@@Eli-ts3ph I lived amongst these people. Many would clog after a lynching

[@robertbrooks3849]

@@cschu879 - ummm.. yeah. Begone troll.

[@cschu879]

@@robertbrooks3849 if I'm a troll... you're a fuckin racist...so u begone... I'm going no where Buddy.....

[@stevemoore595]

America - The Land of Oppertunity. How beautiful she was with proper morals and love for one another. This video tugs at my heartstrings and makes me wish for those gentle days again. As all of us, the world, seem to be more torn apart by war, famine, hate and drugs, it is nice to remember that most people are good and only want what is best for their families.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Thank you Steve for your comment. If your resources allow, I would sure appreciate your using the THANKS button under any of my videos including the one you have commented on. It is something new that KZbin is beta testing and would mean a great deal for my continuing efforts. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@arthurgranville3722]

Lost count of the times I have watched this, love and respect from Arthur in England, uk.

[@711honved]

A beautiful moment in time, captured on film. Reminiscent of my childhood spent in 1960's Ireland. My mother & grandmother would step out to the tin whistle of Irish music legend & family friend, Josie McDermott. The house had no running water, gas, electricity or toilet....just love!

[@sweettina2]

My family brought those ways to the American South. Lived much of their lives with no electricity, with outdoor toilets. But, oh did they have love....

[@mjz16]

711honved. I was just thinking that. I don’t know the heritage but posted a curiosity of whether clogging is Celtic.

[@johnrunion7258]

Your recollection is of little surprise,as it was your 19th century ancestors who immigrated here and took to the rough life of the Appalacian Mountains.I grew up there and most of my Irish aunts and uncles played instruments.I'm thankful to have experienced this type of life,it makes the soul strong.

[@hetrodoxlysonov-wh9oo]

@@mjz16 No, it was English settlers who took clogging to the Appalachians.

[@mjz16]

hetrodoxly sonov. I’ve never seen an Englishman clog.

[@johnplaid648]

Dimples get me every time. People native to Appalachia have such attractive faces. I appreciate them performing for me.

[@shevetlevi2821]

This is pure gold. I grew up in Queens, NYC. Couldn't be further culturally from this but I love this. Seems like this eventually gave birth to Rockabilly which gave birth to Rock n' Roll. With gratitude, thank you Appalachia.

[@supachaloopa3611]

There are worlds you don't belong to and there are worlds that would welcome you in, if you set aside your reservations and just show an honest and sincere interest. We weren't close to my grandparents- they were country farmers and we grew up in the big city. They would have called these people in this video, "our kind of people". We didn't understand them and couldn't relate to them. When we were kids they bought a horse and kept it on their farm for us, but we only saw them every 2 years. They tried to teach us how to play the piano and the guitar but we were too restless and too eager to get back to our home in the city. Now that we are adults we have such regrets about not allowing our grandparents to be family and teach us their ways. I watch the video above now and then and it reminds me of a life we could have enjoyed if we would have just opened our little minds to the possibility of enjoying both worlds.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

It's not your fault, it's the way you were raised. Your parents should have taken you there more often.

[@paladinsix9285]

That is so Sad! My mother had terminal cancer, so her Aunt, my Great Aunt would take care of me for the Summers. I would be out picking fruit, doing chores, exercising (Riding bareback or saddled) 3 Horses, taking care of dogs, hiking, fishing, swimming. It provided my mom and dad time to be together, and focus on her treatments. I got to relax, yet learn the values of chores, darning my own clothes, cooking on a wood fire stove (there was gas range too), hiking, fishing, trying to learn to paint. No TV, or video games, but lots of time to Read, and to be Outdoors!

[@eileengrant5366]

It's raining here in Ireland - what's new so I was indoors browsing on KZbin & came across this video. I really loved it. The seriousness of the young people dancing but so effortless. Thank you, it made me smile x

[@papasteve215]

I’m an old son of the Smokey Mountains and I’ve been blessed to travel the world and further blessed to be able to return home after every deployment. I love these mountains and every time I see these videos I’m so thankful to have grown up here in these mountains under God’s grace

[@truthseeker9688]

Papa Steve ...yes, I grew up near Cherokee. We did team clogging competitions at our school.

[@bonniegarber9915]

Thank you for your service, I'm sure the memories helped to keep you going in tough times!

[@southernshop8424]

Welcome home Papa

[@annthomas984]

Amazing....my son and his wife were a dancers in the Royal Ballet. The whole company did an Appellation Dance and literally brought the house down. I have never seen the London Opera House erupt like that before. The dancers loved it too.

[@themermaidstale5008]

I’m not being mean, but it’s Appalachian and pronounced Appa latch in.😀

[@thatgirlwhousedtohavereall5549]

I would love to see that! Is it available online?

[@STScott-qo4pw]

@@themermaidstale5008 😁😁😄😄

[@darlenemiller8117]

I am 57, and this brought back childhood memories. I remember folks gathering at my grandmother's house to play folk and bluegrass music. Furniture was pushed to the walls, the rugs rolled up, and dancing ensued. We're in rural upstate New York. Go to any bluegrass or folk festival, it's still and maybe even more alive than ever! Love it!

[@pamelaturnbull4344]

As a person from the UK, I found this most joyous. Beautiful, just beautiful x

[@Moonbunny55]

Omg, all done without cell phones! How’d they manage?? I love the sleeping grandpa 😂

[@guyveloz4382]

Damn all cell phones to hell! Gimme old time, pure Americana. These folk make me proud of my county for a change, instead of all the scum I grew up around in West Hollywood, the land of treasonous bastards and fat heads. and punks. I went to Hollywood High School, and the old bitter joke was that Hollywood separated the men from the boys -- with crow bars.

[@cletusspucklerstablejeaniu1059]

Moonshine grandpa.

[@kristyann9912]

Always one in the family.

[@elainekent7026]

I watch this every day because it makes me smile as much as that lovely dimpled girl. She looks like such a sweetheart.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

The kids dancing would be early to mid 70's now. This was wonderful.

[@tonymurphy528]

1965, I was into The Beatles, but one American group got me into bluegrass, The Byrds, the guitar of Clarence White did it for me, I have recently been going to bluegrass festivals in the UK, I love the music. This film is a classic, its impossible not to love the music, or the dancing, thank you for posting this.

[@rutile77]

Brilliant magic,the lads and lassies giving it laldy as we say here in Scotland it had my toes tapping,a great culture all the best and good luck from Scotland👍👏.

[@Debukochi]

The appeal isn't surprising as Appalachian culture is "steeped" in Scots-Irish heritage--but I suspect that you're already familiar with that. There are several good documentaries about this on KZbin. You just need to type in "Appalachia Scots-Irish" to find them.

[@themermaidstale5008]

rutile77, I know what you mean! If I start clogging now, I’d get in shape fast. I also loved looking at the pictures all about the house and all of the people.

[@oilchange6542]

If you want to know more about Southern American culture, check out my playlist on my channel.

[@torvilasulvstle362]

The girl there on 3min 43 sek has the nicest smile I have ever seen, if I don't include my wife's smile, that is!

[@1980bwc]

@@torvilasulvstle362 I thought the same thing. That pretty smile and dimples. Gotta love a lady with dimples. Lol

[@TheArtofEngineering]

I'm 1/2 Greek and this reminds me of how Greeks get together and build community....awesome!!!!

[@Skuffy777]

I'm 1/2 Greek too - totally agree!

[@sammydingdong4540]

Beautiful to watch this I am from Lancashire England and clog dancing was a big thing years ago thanks for the insight of these people's enjoyment.

[@thomasmurray4717]

Give us an update on the girl with the short hair and big smile. She stole the show.

[@willb516]

I’m Ecuadorian (South American) and I love this clip because it shows the side of the United States we don’t get to see too often. I’m totally fascinated by the music and the dancing!

[@polkadot240]

I was 8yrs old..this music was in my soul..truly.

[@fredericonerkis3804]

You have captured a mountain of music here far more valuable than a mountain of gold.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

This really is fantastic! What amazes me, beyond their skill, is the fact that none of these dancers were even sweating or breathing hard! That's a lot of physical work!

[@29Fiorello]

WOW - this is something that just charms me, and I mean that really. The girl, Glenda - she is my age now. Is she still alive? I hope that she had a happy life. What a face of sweetness and innocence.

[@comontater]

The young little girl in the pixy cut is such a darling.

[@DavidCaras-gw8iu]

The first time I saw it I was 17, deep in the mountains of North Carolina on the Natahala River. Stopped at a village to replenish supplies, and these people came out of a small store, sat down & started playing hard core bluegrass... banjo, wash tub, fiddle, the works! Then these three local girls in tattered clothes walked up and started doing this dance I'd never seen before, and I had NO CLUE what was happening! I thought because they are "mountain people ", they didn't know how to dance, and we're just making up some stuff to the music. It wasn't until years later I found out it's an old style of Appalachian people dance called "clogging" 😄

[@emmettbearden1472]

I get chills every time I see this video. This is soul music.

[@bluewaterpines8323]

Thank you David.Bluegrass and clogging still lives on.What a film.

[@queasylagumo]

I love watching that old couple clogging.

[@ter8330]

I have lost count how many times I have seen this..!! I grew up polka dancing and get teary-eyed everytime I see this.....

[@elizabethshaw734]

Appalachian clogging is extremely difficult to learn. I spent a year as a rock at in 2 years with the Boston Ballet and clogging when I first tried I had two left feet! I finally got it because it is very similar to Scottish dancing and my dad was from Scotland. This is always amazing to watch. I saw an old man he must have been in his 90s clogging and it was incredible! Thank you for this video. :-)

[@maldaley235]

I'm from Scotland in the UK, we have a great tradition of similar dance and I love Zydeco and Bluegrass Appalachian clog dance videos shown on KZbin.

[@kellygilbert-rios6319]

My family is from Scotland, moved to America and they loved this dancing. Wonderful memories. Thank you for the video. I've been all over u tube now finding as many videos as I can. Your sir is the best by far though. Thank you again 💓

[@trishhobbsphillips3478]

I love the little girl with the short hair and dimples. She reminds me of Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird! Such a great smile! 😁

[@Hermit_up_a_Holler]

2022, and this is my absolute favorite. I adore the music and the dancing. Period.

[@tweetymaw]

Not a shy one in the bunch, they really know those step moves. It’s so beautiful to see the enjoyment in their faces.

[@RICHARDITIO]

We were listening to this music in late 40's and I know my parents listened to WSM in the early 40's. We watched these clog dances on the TV shows made in Nashville in late 50's early 60's thru 70's. I'll never forget them and will always remember WSM Grand Ole Opry in the 50's on their Saturday night radio show.

[@annoyingbstard9407]

This dancing has obviously travelled from London, it’s exactly how we’ve danced for centuries. We call it Knees Up Mother Brown.

[@JohnHoulgate]

I've seen this video a few times over the last 2-3 weeks and it just makes me smile. I love that girl with the pixie haircut. She embodies the joyful spirit of the clogging dance. Thanks for putting this out there. It's a real gift.

[@AdrianBroadnax]

Those kids were in great shape to keep that up for more than 60 seconds.

[@themermaidstale5008]

Kids from that time had more stamina because video games hadn’t been invented yet.

[@truthseeker9688]

You better believe it! We practiced everyday at school. I think completion team dancing was longer than 90 seconds.

[@trish59100]

That girl with the dimples gets me every time

[@sarahconnor8189]

These kids are just amazing,,,,,absolutely amazing.

[@heyboss318]

When phones didnt exist...people were good at doing real stuff

[@annemaria5126]

Love it. In my opinion, new additions to our lives like cars, television and the internet make us individuals rather than socials. Thereby, we do not do anything ourselves anymore, we are being entertained. Stuff is delivered into even the kitchen. All kinds of apps direct us through life. It happened within 65 years, after WWll.

[@mattgoss20]

Phones didn't exist in 1965!?!? 😳

[@dianekelley6310]

Not a fat one in the bunch !?!

[@mattgoss20]

hij Lol, right? But they were good at doing real "stuff." (Presumably writing letters and yelling...) Side note: In my opinion, writing letters has unfortunately been becoming a lost art... While yelling is still way overused. (Thx for your response @hij)

[@kateholland4102]

That's so true!

[@Kmack2008]

Reminds me of the fiddle playing and step dancing down east Cape Breton Canada.

[@luissantiago8446]

Thank the good, humble folks in Cape Breton for keeping and preserving true Scottish Gaelic, music, dancing and culture.

[@ritabatten4689]

I grew up in the mountains of Southern WV and this was the music and wholesome activity that we loved. I remember a group of musicians in the living room of my grandparents home one Friday night with much singing and dancing.

[@tonyconnolly5385]

When America had a culture

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

While I understand what you are feeling, Tony, I must tell you that as a documentary filmmaker who has filmed in many parts of America, there are many incredible passionate cultures. As there always have been. When I first started my career 57 years ago, and I went to North Carolina to film this, that was a culture as wonderful as any that I had seen. But I had already filmed cultures in New York and in New England that were as colorful although not as spectacularly talented as these folks were. David Hoffman-filmmaker

[@tonyconnolly5385]

@@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker Fair point David. I wasn't knocking America as such because Its not just America. I feel the whole world is becoming homogeneous and losing this kind of micro culture. I saw this video years ago and it really resonated with me. Hypnotic. Great work, thanks.

[@fourbyfourer]

This brings back great memories at my grandparents when I was young. Every weekend would be get togethers like this. From playing music, to pit parties, to corn roasts. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about the good times and great people of those days and how happy everyone was. Times sure have changed. Thanks for the step back in time Mr. Hoffman.

[@jimroth2473]

Livin' The Dream better days, that’s for sure.

[@philanderton22]

Hi there, Well, it brings tears to my eyes from your words you wrote, hope you are doing fine at this moment, Are are you from NC? I have been to Gainesville Georgia many year ago, and they were playing Bluegrass and Clog dancing, It was so great. Greetings from Holland.

[@peace-yv4qd]

Just plain folk having a good time.I was 20 in 1965. I used to go to a dance every Saturday when I was 14. Had the time of my life.

[@garymols9565]

I'm 75 and from Buffalo, NY. In the summer of 1965 I was training with other VISTA VOLUNTEERS (Domestic Peace Corps) for three weeks in North Carolina. Our main training location was in Southern Pines, NC but we spent a few days up in Asheville, NC. That's where I integrated the segregated black YMCA and was warmly greeted by those playing pickup games in the YMCA gym. The next day I was free to roam around the city and had a chance to attend a Mountain Clogging contest. There were several different categories as far as numbers in a group and ages. I've been watching alot of KZbin during the pandemic and have come across alot of this MODERN shuffle dancing. The youth today probably have no idea where this dancing originated. Obviously fiddles, hard soles came from Ireland as we know they settled in the Appalachian Mountains in the 1700's.