Jul 2005 - Double Toe Times

Reader
eaders’
s’s s For
orum
Your Emails, Letters s and Fax
axes
es
Overcoming Tragedy to
Share the Love of Clogging
Dear Double Toe Times:
Every person has their own story to
tell, but every clogger has an adventure.
I share my story with everyone
who wants to hear it. Having a lifethreatening
accident and overcoming
that to become a grand champion
clogger is quite the accomplishment.
Here is my story to share with your
readers. Thank you for your time.
This is my Story
At the ripe old age of 8, I was in a
tragic tractor accident. Doctor’s told
my parents that I would not survive
and if I did, I would be a vegetable,
unable to walk, talk, or even perform
simple tasks. I proved them wrong
after three days of care in the Pediatric
Intensive Care Unit (PICU), 12
days of hospital stay with no surgeries,
and six weeks in a wheel chair, I
was up and walking on my own two
feet. I believe that things happen for a
reason, and without this accident
would I have ever been introduced to
or become so passionate about
clogging?
I was introduced to clogging at a
county fair in my hometown in North
Carolina a few months after my
accident. I just stood there and
watched the cloggers as they danced,
all in sync with one another and in
rhythm with the music. I was so
amazed and taken back at this
incredible form of dance. Clogging
was a common thing in North Carolina,
seeing as that is where it originated.
I went home from the fair with
dancing not only in my feet but it was
in my heart.
My mother signed me up for
lessons at the local dance studio in
our hometown. I had to audition to
even get into this studio. I had never
had lessons in dance before so I
entered the audition scared and
nervous. After performing my routine
that my mother and I had choreographed,
the instructor asked me how
long had I been dancing. I responded
to her that I had never had
lessons and that performance was the
first time I had clogged. Looking at
me with shock and surprise she told
me that I was more advanced than
some of the girls that had been there
for a year. After hearing that, it
confirmed the feeling in my heart that I
was born to be a clogger.
Clogging has given me so many
things throughout the 14 years I have
been doing it. I have obtained leadership
skills, lifelong friends, trophies,
great exercise, confidence, and most
importantly the drive to overcome any
obstacle in my life. Clogging is something
that I can share with everyone I
see, whether they like it or not.
Having the opportunity to continue to
learn new things about something I am
so passionate about is the greatest
accomplishment and gift. Clogging is
something that I have and that I will
always have to show that I overcome
tragedy and turned it into triumph.
Clogging is a way that I can express
my self and say, “I did this”.
I have won several talent competitions,
pageants, and even clogging
scholarships. I don’t only have the
self-satisfaction but I also can take
home visual memories, such as
trophies and plaques to display my
love and appreciation for clogging.
Clogging is a part
of my past, my
present, and my
future. I take it with
me everywhere, and --
yes -- I even clog in the
aisle at Wal-Mart!
Dana Marie Hughes
120 Pioneer Trail
Warner-Robbins, GA 31088
(478) 988-9338
Dear Dana:
Thanks so much for sharing your
incredible story. You are right that
things happen for a reason. I, too,
grew up in an area where clogging
was very common. I didn’t have
any interest in dancing as a child,
but in my early 20’s, when I first
tried clogging, it just fulfilled me in
so many ways. I know there are
many readers who will testify that
clogging came to them at a time
when they needed it physically,
socially and emotionally. Dance
has an incredible power. Your
bravery and courage and will to
overcome your tragedy are inspiring.
I am sure that pure joy comes
out in your performing. Best
wishes to you and thank you for
encouraging so many with your
story.
Send us your letters,
faxes and emails.
The Double Toe Times
P. O. Box 1352
St. Albans, WV 25177-1352
(304) 727-9357
Phone & Fax
www.doubletoe.com
ccajeff@aol.com
The Double Toe Times July, 2005 Page 4