Anyone who knows me even a little bit, will tell you that I'm crazy about Clogging and I take every opportunity to promote this wonderful percussive folk-dance.  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 of the many traditional steps (there are hundreds and more being invented everyday!) 

 

I began to take an increasing interest in teaching and assisted Shirley 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 2 decades (almost) with the Northern Jewels have been incredible and rewarding 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?  Being semi-retired I find lots of time to enjoy walking, biking, reading, singing, knitting, cooking and hanging out with my family and our 3 sweet cats ! But who's kidding who...I'm always clogging !

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

Julie MacLeod

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