The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum will begin offering clogging classes this summer. Starting June 8, noted clogging performer and instructor Barry Lanham will offer both beginner and intermediate sessions that span six weeks.
Lanham brings a wealth of instruction and performance experience and is recognized as a contemporary leader in clogging within Kentucky.
Along with his brother Randy, he also produces the acclaimed Lanham Brothers Jamboree, a variety show performed twice annually at the Hall of Fame. Kentucky Education Television carries the show throughout an eight-state region.
Lanham’s clogging classes offer dancing instruction structured for different levels of expertise from novice to advanced. Covering many facets of traditional Appalachian dancing, participants learn the basics of clogging.
Additionally, classes are customized to include full family participation from toddlers to senior citizens, and dancers of all skill levels are welcome.
Chris Joslin, Executive Director of the Hall of Fame, is ecstatic about the addition.
“Clogging is the official state dance of Kentucky, and we have one of the premier teachers and performers right here in Daviess County,” he said. “Working with Barry Lanham to offer clogging classes at the Hall of Fame adds a new and fun element to our programming. Barry’s clogging workshop at ROMP is one of the highest attended classes at the festival every year, so we know people are eager to learn traditional dance.”
Lanham’s teaching style emphasizes technique and fundamentals, but the classes are intended to be fun. His ultimate goal is to help participants connect with a historical art form firmly rooted in Kentucky culture.
Lanham expressed his pleasure with the partnership.
“I am excited to be working with the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum to offer clogging classes,” he said. “Given their educational mission, this is a good fit and it offers yet another way for our community to engage with the Hall of Fame. Working together we are teaching, presenting, and preserving traditional arts that are directly linked to our history, heritage, and culture. In addition, much like bluegrass music, clogging is simply a fun activity.”
A highlight of Lanham’s work in clogging is the development of the Foot Stompin’ Express, a dancing troupe with members ranging from age four to seventy-four. They perform locally and regionally, even traveling internationally to perform and teach.
Class sizes are limited. For more information and to secure a spot, visit the Hall of Fame’s website here.
