Held annually on August 8th.

*the words clogging and clog dancing can be used interchangeably.

As a celebration of the contributions of Bill Nichols, August 8th is recognized as the National Day of Clogging and the International Day of clog dancing.

Bill was called "The Grandfather of Modern Clogging". He led a life of significance and transformational leadership.  He is an author who is credited as being the first person in America to give terminology, structure, and organization to our American folk dance.  He created a movement that has elevated a regional recreational activity to a national competition platform with international acclaim.  But he never made his work about "him," his work was always for the benefit of "future" generations – that includes YOU!  Around the world, this is a day of celebration of our talents and a day of reverence for those who came before us.  We can put our dancers in the spotlight and generate a multitude of publicity which will inevitably open many more doors of opportunity.

The culture that clogging instructors cultivate through the dance and for the clog dance families can be a bond for bringing our diverse cultures together to share the bonds of fun and friendship.  Bill Nichols believed that the best way to reduce cultural bias is to show someone you care, share a meal, share a laugh, share a photograph, and share a dance.   Bill would agree with diversity and inclusion expert Verna Myers: "Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance." He may also add that leadership is "calling" the dance. By developing this culture during weekly dance classes, the reach into other areas of life can be extended.  Dance instructors influence the minds and attitudes of those who dance with them.

Through the National Day of Clogging and International Day of Clog Dancing on August 8, we celebrate our history, encourage diversity and inclusion, and create a brighter future for our dancers.  We can make a difference.