The History
Growing up as a competition clogger, we all knew who the "Bailey Mountain Cloggers" were. Now, as a student at Mars Hill University and a member of the Bailey Mountain Cloggers, I decided to give an insight on what it is really like to experience being on the legendary team of college cloggers from all over the United States.
The team originated in 1974 by students at Mars Hill College which is located near Asheville, North Carolina. At first, the team started out with old time square dance and then began competition clogging in the 80s. Since then, the team has won 21 National Championships with America's Clogging Hall of Fame. The team has also performed at international folk festivals all over the world, and this August the team will be traveling to perform in Poland and the Czech Republic.
So...what really goes on when you are a part of the team?
1. Practice. Lots and lots of practice.
Every year, when new freshmen come in, there are very few weeks to make all new routines, audition and prepare for the first competition of the year. This means the possibility of practice every single day, and 12 hours of practice on the Saturdays and Sundays. Not to mention the late nights of asking friends for help in the studio.
2. Dancing with people from all over the country.
The members that come to BMC travel from all over. We have members from North and South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and even California. This means that everyone usually has very different dance and home backgrounds. Several of us have also been trained in other styles of dance.
3. Having a "family".
When first joining BMC, you receive a mentor who helps you with all BMC things and your overall experience at Mars Hill. Once you join BMC you receive a mentor, and your family tree begins to grow. As your time on the team goes by, you receive "mentees" and you help them grow just as your family helped you.
4. "Themed" practices.
One of the best bonding experiences is when themed practices are scheduled where everyone will show up in some kind of costume to match the theme for that practice. This is a time for everyone to be silly together! These are especially important during the holidays, where it allows the team to have some fun together while putting in some work for the shows.
5. The famous BMC jumpsuits.
When you become a member, you finally get one of the jumpsuits with a fancy jacket that has your name and the BMC logo on the back. Receiving this is one of the more surreal moments of becoming part of the team.
6. Hell week.
Every spring, BMC hosts a spring concert. The week before is what every member knows of as "Hell week", in which most practices last from 4 p.m. to anywhere near 4 a.m. There are lots of tears, sweat and even blood, but it is also a time where everyone gets closer with not only team members, but guest dancers.
7. Shows.
Being on the team means going and dancing at shows all over the country. Including places you never would have gone before if it wasn't for this team. They are a big source of funding and these shows allow us to interact with crowds and children without the pressure. It is a time for us to just enjoy dancing.
8. Competitions.
Competing with BMC brings in a completely new element as a competition dancer. Everyone knows who you are and looks up to you. This means being your best self at all times. When awards are given out at the end of each competition, that is when the team feels the closest and most proud of each other no matter the outcome.
9. Traveling overseas to international folk festivals.
About every other summer, BMC takes a trip overseas to dance at a folk festival in a different country. We are invited to dance and represent the USA. This year we are traveling to Poland and the Czech Republic and one show is estimated to have more than 10,000 people in attendance.
10. Being a part of something much bigger than yourself and receiving endless opportunities with the best team ever.
Being part of BMC is an extraordinary experience where you meet not only your best friends, but people from all over the world who appreciate the dance you do. There is no where else that you could gain these opportunities and I am thankful for being able to be a part of such a great team.
