The Roots of Appalachian Dance
March 21, 2025
Dancing has always been part of life in the Allegheny Highlands — from school gyms and festival stages to porches and old community halls. In this story, I trace the roots of Appalachian dance across Bath, Highland, and Pocahontas counties — from the reels and jigs brought over by early settlers to the enduring rhythms of flatfooting and clogging. These aren’t just steps — they’re memory in motion, connecting generations through music, movement, and tradition.