Star power cloggers radiate appalachian spirit on “little big shots”

In the modern landscape of dance, where contemporary hip-hop, high-tech light shows, and viral TikTok trends often define “cool,” there is a rhythmic, earth-bound art form that has quietly thundered through the valleys of the United States for centuries. It is called clogging. Rooted deeply in the Appalachian Mountains, this percussive dance is a living tapestry of American history, weaving together Irish, Scottish, English, and African influences into a singular, high-octane performance.

On the grand, internationally televised stage of Little Big Shots, a group of five extraordinary children from Winchester, Kentucky—known as the Star Power Cloggers—proved that tradition is not a museum piece to be dusted off. Instead, they showed that with enough passion and “star power,” the heritage of the past can become the sensation of the future.

When Steve Harvey, the charismatic host known for discovering the world’s most gifted youngsters, introduced the quintet, the atmosphere was thick with curiosity. Out stepped Cadence, Sarah, Marley, Gracie, and Malachi. Dressed in vibrant, coordinated outfits that shimmered under the Hollywood lights, they carried the polite, humble charm of their home state of Kentucky.

Harvey, ever the inquisitive interviewer, dove straight into the heart of their craft. “What is clogging exactly?” he asked. The group’s spokesperson explained with a level of historical awareness that impressed the audience: “It’s a dance from the Appalachia Mountains. It originated from tap, but they changed up the shoes and the rhythm, and now we have clogging.”

Harvey, himself a student of American culture, noted the roots in North Carolina and Asheville, connecting the dots for a global audience who might have never heard of this regional treasure. But these weren’t just kids performing a local hobby. They revealed their true pedigree: they were the 2017 CCA Stars National Champions. The revelation sent a wave of respect through the studio; these were not just performers—they were elite athletes of the dance floor.

Adding a layer of humor to the segment was the group’s unique dynamic. Malachi, the sole male member of the troupe, stood amidst four talented girls. When Harvey jokingly asked how he ended up in this position, Malachi’s dry wit shone through: “I ended up wanting to dance… and I got stuck with them.”

The audience erupted in laughter as the girls admitted to “picking on” Malachi, a dynamic that clearly mirrored a close-knit family. This chemistry, built over three years of grueling practice and travel across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio, was the secret ingredient to their success. In clogging, synchronization is everything. If one foot is a millisecond off, the percussion is ruined. Their bond as friends allowed them to move as a single, thunderous unit.

As the interview concluded, Harvey set the stage for what would be a transformative moment for the art form. “You’re about to take clogging to an international scale,” he proclaimed. For a dance that had spent centuries being performed on front porches, at county fairs, and in local gymnasiums, the Little Big Shots stage represented a massive leap in visibility.

The music kicked in—a high-energy, modern track that blended traditional bluegrass undertones with contemporary beats. From the very first “step-down,” the Star Power Cloggers commanded the room.

The defining characteristic of clogging is the sound. Unlike traditional tap shoes, clogging shoes feature “double taps”—a jingle tap that is loosely attached to the toe and heel. This creates a denser, more complex percussive sound. When the five dancers began their routine, the stage sounded like a rhythmic drum corps.

Their footwork was a blur of motion. They executed “double steps,” “shuffles,” and “kicks” with such velocity that it seemed to defy human anatomy. Yet, despite the frantic speed, their upper bodies remained poised and graceful, a hallmark of professional cloggers. The choreography was intricate, featuring complex formations where they wove in and out of each other without ever breaking the steady, driving beat of their shoes.

As the routine hit its crescendo, the energy in the room shifted. You could see the sheer joy on their faces—the “star power” that gave them their name. They weren’t just hitting notes; they were celebrating their heritage. Every stomp was a tribute to the Winchester community, and every synchronized turn was a testament to their championship status.

As the final beat dropped and the group struck a triumphant pose, the auditorium erupted. Steve Harvey, visibly impressed by the sheer athleticism and noise produced by such small frames, could only shake his head in wonder. “That’s the way to do it, ladies! And Malachi! Straight out of Kentucky!”

Harvey’s reaction mirrored that of the millions watching at home. There is something infectious about seeing children master a craft that requires such immense discipline. Clogging is physically exhausting; it requires the stamina of a long-distance runner and the precision of a watchmaker. To see these kids perform it with such ease was a “Hallelujah” moment for traditional American arts.

The Star Power Cloggers’ appearance on Little Big Shots did more than just win them new fans; it validated a culture. For the people of Winchester and the wider Appalachian region, seeing their dance honored on a Hollywood stage was a moment of immense pride. It proved that their “old-fashioned” ways are actually timeless.

By infusing the dance with modern music and a youthful, “pop-star” energy, Cadence, Sarah, Marley, Gracie, and Malachi have ensured that clogging will not fade into the history books. They have inspired a new generation of dancers to pick up the shoes, find the rhythm, and keep the floors of Kentucky stomping for years to come.

As these national champions return to their home state, they do so as ambassadors. They have shown the world that no matter where you come from—whether it’s a small town in the mountains or a bustling city—if you have the talent and the heart, the world will stop to listen to the sound of your feet.

Words can describe the history, and photos can show the costumes, but to truly understand the power of the Star Power Cloggers, you must hear the rhythm. You must see the synchronized blur of their feet and feel the energy that left Steve Harvey speechless.

Don’t miss the chance to see these national champions in action. Click the link below to watch the full performance that brought Kentucky pride to the global stage: