On Wednesday, July 20 we had the honor of dancing during the "Guest Master Artist" portion of Old Time Week at the Swannanoa Gathering. We were able to tell the history of the cloggers, as well as share stories, dance some routines, and introduce the dancers. Green Grass mentor Robert Dotson joined us.
In the evening, we closed out the concert with a two-set Indian and a freestyle accompanied by Rayna Gellert, Susie Goering, Rick Good, Kevin Kerber, and Jeff Keith. Robert Dotson came out to join us onstage, and we were delighted to have veteran Green Grass Cloggers Phil Jamison, Gordy Hinners, Karen Bartlett, and Sharon Leahy join us! It also marked Trina Royar's return to the stage.
Before the performance, we were presented with the Folk Heritage Award from the Charlotte Folk Society, which was quite a surprise to all of us!
The plaque reads:
"Thank you for 40 years of spreading the joy of clogging, an original North Carolina folk dance, around the world. May you inspire generations of cloggers yet to come with your happy, spirited dancing as you have inspired thousands before."

Many thanks to the Charlotte Folk Society for the recognition and kind words, and to the Swannanoa Gathering for inviting us to come and participate.