It’s Time To Get In Rhythm Appalachian Rhythm Clogging Studio Gives You That Chance By Mark Mitchell Between them, they have only been on this earth for 43 years, but Elise Sigmon and Ashley Payne have been clogging their way around the planet for more than 32 of those years. Knowing that, it should come as no surprise that these two ladies are turning their passion for dance into something more than a hobby, that they are turning it into a dream come true. Ashley Payne leads students through a clogging number during a class at Appalachian Rhythm. Photo by Mark Mitchell Elise Sigmon, left, and Ashley Payne, co-owners of Appalachian Rhythm, have announced a class schedule for this Spring at their new clogging studio. Photo by Mark Mitchell That dream was realized last August when the two opened Appalachian Rhythm, a new studio in Boone that specializes in contemporary clogging for all ages and levels. While Appalachian Rhythm originally hosted classes at various locations, Sigmon and Payne moved to their new location, at 362 West King Street, last September. Sigmon, 23, and Payne, 20, serve both as co-owners and instructors for the studio, and already boast more than 12 years of clogging instruction on their resume. In terms of the two owners’ background, Sigmon graduated in 2006 from Appalachian State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She designed her own major and concentrated in Business and Dance. The 23-year-old also married Kyle Sigmon on Dec. 30, 2006. As for why she pursued the opportunity to open Appalachian Rhythm, Sigmon was to the point. “Clogging has been a passion of mine for years,” she said, “and I really want to share that passion with others.” Payne’s background has been filled with years of clogging and dancing, but the 20-year-old has obviously found time to hit the books. Payne is a sophomore at ASU, double majoring in Public Relations and Advertising. She is a straight A student with a full academic scholarship. “I just love working with the children,” Payne said when asked why she got into teaching. “They are so fun to be around. So, this gives me the chance to combine two loves … clogging and children.” Appalachian Rhythm recently announced the following new classes for Spring 2007: · The Happy Feet class is a creative movement class for ages 2-4. It is offered on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. · Clogging 101 is a beginning clogging class for ages 5-years-old and older. For ages 5-11, the class meets on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. For ages 12-years-old and older, the class meets on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. · A Hip Hop class is also broken down into two different age groups. For ages 8-12, the Hip Hop class is offered on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. A Monday night class, for ages 13-years-old and older, is offered from 8 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Appalachian Rhythm also offers competitive clogging classes for experienced to advanced cloggers for the following age groups: · Elementary (Ages 7-9) · Junior (Ages 10-12) · Senior (Ages 13-18) · Young Adult (Ages 18 and older) Classes start the first week of February. In addition, more classes are offered through the studio. To register for any class, or for more information, call Appalachian Rhythm at (828) 268-1926 or e-mail info@apprhythm.com. “Clogging is just such a great activity because you receive so many benefits,” Sigmon said. “It’s good exercise for all ages, and a great way to make friends outside of school. It also improves coordination and social skills.” Renovations at Appalachian Rhythm’s new studio are still on going, but Sigmon said the process is coming together. “We’ve done a lot,” she said. “We have repainted, changed exterior doors for safety reasons, remodeled the bathroom, and obviously, installed mirrors and a dance floor. We are also in the process of adding a lobby area for dancers to socialize.” As for the experience of owning a business, while Sigmon said it is a constant learning experience, she also said it has been an exciting challenge she embraces.