🎶 Conjuring a Storm of Foot Percussion | ⚡ "Struck by Lightning"

The storm starts with a single beat. For this performance of "Struck by Lightning," we wanted to build the energy and tension of surprise the way a single lightning strike in a dark sky can crescendo to a sky full of activity of light, sound, and movement. Watch the intro closely: we start in a single-file line perpendicular to the audience. As the tune plays through, our dancers step out, surprising our audience by adding to the mix until the stage is alive with sound. Dramatic in its simplicity, this performance captures the raw power of 20 feet clogging and flatfooting in unison. This was also the debut for several of our newest ensemble members! Struck by Lightning is a traditional style Appalachian clogging dance originally choreographed by Sharon Leahy and shared with permission with the CommonWealth Dance Collective after Sheila and Alina performed it in Carry It On at the Wheatland Music Festival 2013. It was named after the original tune by Rick Good. THE PERFORMANCE: Dancers: Sheila, Meagan, Maeve, Emma, Cathy, Abbey, Emily, Emily, Gabrielle, Harleigh Choreographer: Sharon Leahy Director: Sheila Graziano, Michigan Heritage Award recipient Musicians: Nate and Sam Jacobson (fiddle), Sarah Vaujin (guitar) Old-Time Tune: Shove the Pig's Foot a Little Bit Further into the Fire Backdrop: Abbey R. with Gabrielle T. and Kathi S. Videographer: Jim Behrendt Photographer: Daniel L. Gillespie Location: Michigan Celtic Festival 2026 ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE: Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the CommonWealth Dance Collective (CDC) is an ensemble dedicated to preserving and performing traditional percussive dance. We are part of the non-profit AACTMAD (Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance). Our Repertoire: • Appalachian Clogging & Flatfooting • Irish & Sean-Nós • Canadian Step Dance • English Clog • Tap & Historical Vaudeville-era Marley Dances Our Promise: What you see and hear is 100% human. We deliver authentic spirit, real joy, and raw sound. ✨ STAY CONNECTED: • Subscribe to join our community:    / @commonwealthdancecollective   • Official Website: https://cwdcollective.wixsite.com/cwdc • Booking & Inquiries: commonwealthdancecollectivemi@gmail.com #clogging #folkdance #traditionaldance #stepdance #bluegrass #oldtimemusic #percussivedance