Choreographer Paul Jarrell couldn’t have been prouder of his Senior Clogging class at the Dance Express Performing Arts Center in North Carolina.
They were participating in the Star Talent National Dance competition and they nailed their routine.
A lone clogger
It all began with a single young woman on stage with her back to the crowd.
But as soon as the music began, she twirled to face the audience with a big smile.
The song ringing out is “This Is Me,” from the soundtrack to the P.T. Barnum musical biopic The Greatest Showman. It’s a song about self-acceptance with a great message for everyone
And yet, after some artistic arm movements, the soloist starts tapping those feet.
We were warned in the video title that the dance was “out of the ordinary” and it’s certainly true. We’ve never seen a clog dance incorporate so many lyrical maneuvers.
Solo no more
As the crowd roars with delight, our lone dancer is joined on stage by two others.
All three tap their feet in unison.
But wait, there’s more!
Two more dancers walk out on stage and begin clogging along. Now we don’t know how many to expect!
While we took a wild guess, we didn’t see THIS many dancers on the horizon!
But it’s amazing to watch them move as a single unit.
Clogging can be extra tough because people can not only see but hear you if you’re out of sync.
Luckily, these young women gave an epic performance, no doubt fueled by lots of practice.
The praise
Jarrell, who choreographed the unique routine said:
“To say I am proud of this dance and these girls, would be a vast understatement! I put all that I have in this dance and am thoroughly proud with the result! Early on in the year I questioned if it was the right direction to go in…”
That year, he was convinced he found the right routine. And he took a unique approach to it.
“Each dancer in this routine got to choose (with my guidance) a single word that explained who they are as a person and as a dancer!! I have never seen them put so much emotion into one dance, and I have NEVER felt such emotion as I have sitting in the audience as this competition, watching them portray their word and themselves on stage.”
Can you guess what word they might have chosen? We’re stumped.
Jarrell is a gifted choreographer who has been recognized for his innovative clogging routines that incorporate jazz, lyrics, and tap elements.
Of course, a performance is often measured by how much the audience enjoys it, and Jarrell was heartened to see so many people come out to support his dancers.
“…NOTHING will ever compare to the feeling of watching the parents, fellow teachers, and even people from different studios, give this dance a standing ovation! I will hold that feeling close to me for the rest of my life. To each and every dancer in this class, THANK YOU for giving it your all! I could not be any happier with how this turned out, and it wouldn’t be anywhere near as powerful without every single dancer in this group!!”
What a sweet sentiment!
Be sure to scroll down below to see the masterful performance for yourself!
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