(MURFREESBORO)  Despite the fact that the worldwide pandemic has again forced the cancellation of the 2021 International FolkFest, the Cripple Creek Cloggers are continuing to grow and teach the art of Appalachian-style square dancing with a clogging step.

Founder and Director Steve Cates said that the classes begin at 4:30PM Sunday afternoon, August 29, 2021 at the Smyrna Senior Center, 100 Raikes Street.

He stressed, “No dance experience is necessary and all lessons are free.”

Cates continued, “For 54 years, mission of the Cripple Creek Cloggers has been to perform these Tennessee folk traditions to old-time music of the guitar, banjo, fiddle, bass, and/or mandolin. They have traveled to perform and teach in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, all parts of Europe, north Africa, Asia and many parts of the Caribbean.  In 1982, they began their own international folkloric festival, International Folkfest, which will once again be produced in Rutherford County during June 5-12, 2022.” 

Many of those taking the classes look at this as an opportunity to have fun and travel to interesting countries.

2022 FolkFest

Cates commented, “Due to circumstances around the world, International Folkfest is canceled ​for 2021.  We are looking forward to June 5th-12th 2022. With dance groups from around the world, the International Folkfest in Murfreesboro, Tennessee promises to be a week of excitement and education.”

Early reports indicate that the 2022 International FolkFest include troupes from Slovakia, Poland, Slovenia, and the United States.

For more information, contact Director Steve Cates at appdancer@aol.com or phone 615-896-3559.