First time cuing
at a workshop
Honky Tonk Stomp
Didsbury, March 2007
Special thanks to
Robynn and Jessica Hoschka for the opportunity.
After many years of just living life (working, marriage, raising a child, the usual things), I had gotten quite a bit out of shape so I decided that it was time to find an activity that I enjoyed to get back into shape. I tried several activities: yoga, aerobics, swimming, going to the gym; but I didn't stay with anything for very long. Pretty soon, I was bored and unmotivated, or schedules changed and you just couldn't fit it in (more like wouldn't try to fit it in.)
Years ago (1999) I had watched a demonstration of clogging in Carstairs, AB at the Annual Pumpkin Festival. I always thought of that group (which happened to be Hoschka's Honky Tonk Cloggers). I thought, I could do that (after all, I had tap danced my entire childhood, it looked similar.) Unfortunately, I could never find the time.
In 2005, I found a listing for Clogging in the Older Adult section of the Recreation Guide in Sherwood Park. My first instructor (Dorothy) was wonderful, I didn't start with a beginner class but I joined anyways, stood at the back and did what I could with her help. I practiced and practiced and practiced (not necessary, but it was so much fun, I just couldn't stop doing it). I went to every workshop I could find, bought just about every video and then before you knew it I was "ADDICTED" (it really didn't take that long, it was almost instantly). I wanted more, at one point I was attending up to 4 different classes all over the Edmonton region.
In 2006, I took the CCI (Certified Clogging Instructor) course at the National C.L.O.G. Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.
In 2007, I tested out for the CCI at the National C.L.O.G. Convention in Nashville.
Now that I'm teaching my own classes, I'm sharing my "addiction" with others. Check out my classes on the "clogging clubs" page for more details or call me at 780 922-6821 or email: kerriclogs@hotmail.com)
August 2008 - I attended the Southern California Clogging Convention.
September 2008 - I was invited to teach a workshop in Saskatoon, SK. My first time being the "headliner".
November 2008 - I attended the National C.L.O.G. Convention and taught in the open teach hall.
January 2009 - I've achieved my Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification (AFLCA) - certification for teaching group fitness classes.
January 2009 - I hit a plateau so I started working out at a gym once a week.
March 2009 - I'm working out at a gym for 1 hour - twice a week. Only a few more pounds... :)
March 2009 - I was invited to teach at the Annual Dare to Clog Workshop in Winnipeg featuring Darolyn Pchajek and Brian Tucker.
April 2009 - Attended the 2009 CLAM workshop featuring Barry Welch.
May 2009 - ZUMBA Instructor training - Basics Level 1
July 2009 - starting instructing Zumba classes
August 2009 - Attended the Southern California Clogging Convention.
September 2009 - My fall programming is so full that I have no time to work out at the gym.
September 2009 - I was invited to teach at the Tacoma Kickoff with Anne Mills and Barry Welch.
September 2009 - I was invited back to teach a workshop in Saskatoon, SK.
October 2009 - Received CANFIT-PRO FIS certification
November 2009 - ZUMBA Instructor training - Basics Level 2
November 2009 - I attended the National C.L.O.G. Convention in New Orleans and taught in the open teach hall.
January 2010 - ZUMBA Gold Instructor training in Portland, Oregon
February 2010 - after gaining a few pounds from New Orleans and Christmas, I'm happy to say I'm back down to my pre-Vacation/Christmas weight. Currently instructing 3 Clogging classes and 5 Zumba classes a week.
UPCOMING
March 2010 - ZUMBATOMIC Instructor training in Tempe, AZ
March 2010 - I was invited back to teach at the 5th Annual Dare to Clog Workshop in Winnipeg
April 2010 - Attending the CLAM workshop featuring Eric Bice
May 2010 - Invited to teach at the NCCA Convention in Fresno
June 2010
July 2010
August 2010
September 2010
October 2010
November 2010
March 2009
July 2008
April 2007
September 2005