Anyone who knows me even a little bit, will tell you that I'm crazy about Clogging, and take every opportunity to promote this dance, in itself an art-form.  I was first amazed by Clog-dancing at the local fairs and in 1997 found myself inside a studio in Barrie where they offered beginner clogging lessons under the instruction of Denise Gauthier, a wonderfully inspiring teacher!  Here I learned the basics of stepwork and the JOY of performing in front of appreciative crowds!

 

After several years with the Cottage Country Cloggers I moved to Elmvale to study under the direction of Shirley Brown of the Simcoe County Cloggers, a true pioneer in bringing this Great dance-form to central Ontario.  Here I would learn to appreciate the rich heritage of Appalachian Clogging and the proper execution of many traditional steps (there are hundreds and more being invented everyday!) 

 

I began to take an increasing interest in teaching and assisted for a couple of years, then, with encouragement , decided I was 'ready' to start up a small Clogging club in Oro-Medonte, my beautiful home!  The last decade with the Northern Jewels has been one of the best in my lifetime as I enjoy the fellowship of all of my students (past and present), the good energy they bring, the friendships they've offered and the mutual regard we have for one another.  I especially LOVE watching new cloggers learning their first steps and supporting each other along the way!

 

When I'm not clogging?  You'll find me either behind the camera capturing much of the beauty

that surrounds us in this lovely part of Canada,  singing gorgeous music with the Lyrica Chamber

Choir or serving Awesome Soup at Loobies Restaurant in Craighurst ... all with a smile :) 

 

Thank you for visiting my site, hope you enjoy the tour ! 

Julie MacLeod

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