WHEN: December 5-7, 2025
WHERE: Berea, Kentucky
Carla Gover
https://carlagover.com/
I’m Carla Gover, and I’m thrilled to be partnering with Rebecca to host the Fourth Annual Appalachian Flatfooting Frolic this December 5-7 in beautiful Berea, Kentucky! You already know how incredible Rebecca is as a teacher, so I wanted to take a moment to tell you what this glorious Kentucky weekend will be like should you choose to join us.
First, a bit about me: I’m an 8th-generation Kentuckian who grew up surrounded by this music and dance tradition. I’ve been teaching Appalachian flatfooting and clogging for 30 years, and I bring not just the steps, but the stories, the culture, and the deep mountain roots that make this dance style so special. Rebecca and I are teaming up specifically so we can offer two levels of instruction—total beginners and continuing dancers—which means everyone gets exactly what they need. You’ll spend time learning from both of us, and I promise you’ll love seeing how our different backgrounds (her southern traditions, my Kentucky mountain heritage) come together to create something really special.
Now, picture this weekend: You’ll arrive Friday evening for a locally-sourced supper and an intimate concert with award-winning storyteller and songwriter Mitch Barrett (he’s a Berea native and is a spell-binding entertainer). Saturday is all about dancing—we’ll work on foundational steps in the morning, dive into sequences and transitions, then split into our two tracks for personalized instruction on improvisation and “dancing the tune.” Between classes, you’ll enjoy delicious catered meals and have time to explore Berea, which is Kentucky’s folk arts and crafts capital (seriously, the shopping is AMAZING). Saturday evening, we’ll gather for supper at a local restaurant, then head to a traditional square dance called in authentic East Kentucky style by the legendary Randy Wilson—plus live music, community dancing, and my partner Yani’s famous Greek baklava that’ll make you drool.
Sunday morning wraps up with coffee, muffins, and a farewell dance jam at the beautiful Loyal Jones Appalachian Center (our sponsor!), followed by an optional stroll to a holiday craft vendor market across the street. By the time you head home, you’ll have new skills, new friends, a deeper connection to this tradition, and probably a suitcase full of handmade treasures. We’re offering flexible three-tier pricing to make this accessible to everyone, and spots are limited because we want to keep this intimate and special. Rebecca and I both can’t wait to dance with you in the mountains this December!
During this weekend workshop aimed at beginning and intermediate dancers, you’re going to level up your dancing and learn a ton, while experiencing a curated weekend of goodness in one of my fave little towns in the foothills of Appalachian Kentucky.
In addition to dancing up a storm, you’ll hear some great live mountain music, eat yummy snacks and meals, make some fabulous new friends, and enjoy picturesque and charming Berea (the folk arts and crafts capital of Kentucky!) with me and my sweetheart! (And you might even get your last-minute holiday shopping done, too!)
My intention for this weekend is to give you a heaping helping of ideas, skills, and inspiration that you need to become a confident dancer and improviser, but it goes beyond that. I want to give you a taste of Appalachian Culture, as well as some of the things I love most, like music, food, crafts, jamming, and hanging out with friends in a cozy and intimate setting! And of course, I’ll be taking into account the skills and desires of the various class members, to customize and tailor your learning experience. This year, for the first time we will have TWO dance teachers to address the needs of various levels! You’ll get the chance to study with both teachers. We’ll spend some time in one big group, and some time split up into two levels.
Rebecca Stout
I’m thrilled to announce that Rebecca Stout will be joining me this year so that we can offer targeted instruction based on your level of experience. She’s a delightful dancer and patient teacher with years of experience under her belt. Rebecca grew up immersed in the music and dance traditions of the Deep South, performing alongside her singer/songwriter mother from age six at festivals and dance halls throughout Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Kentucky. Rebecca divides her time between Alabama and Southern California and considers it her legacy and responsibility to keep these rich Appalachian traditions alive, sharing her deep cultural heritage with dancers everywhere.
REGISTRATION
Once again, I’ll be offering a three-tier pricing model for this event. I really want everyone to be able to afford to come, and I’d also like to get paid on a level that my experience and efforts justify. This is my best attempt to create a fair model that allows both goals to be met. I am trusting you on the honor system to choose the level which best represents your circumstances. The pricing level you choose is private and will not be shared with anyone.
Note that the registration fee covers all events plus lunch on Saturday and suppers on Friday and Saturday. It does not include travel or lodging. (see lodging info below) The chain hotels do offer free breakfasts, if that’s a consideration.
PRICING
Pricing is based on the honor system. The solidarity price is for those who would be unable to come without a subsidy. The standard price is for those who have a bit of financial cushion and extra to spend on entertainment. The artist acknowledgement price is for those who are financially comfortable and wish to fairly compensate artists for their time.
Solidarity Price $347 – Link to register
This price allows me to cover base expenses (food, facility rental, and paying the musicians and poets a stipend) and I’m offering it for those who really want to come but would otherwise be unable to financially.
Standard Price $447 – Link to register
This price covers base expenses (food, facility rental, and paying the musicians a stipend) as well as paying me a stipend for my time and teaching.
Artist Acknowledgement/Pay-It-Forward Price $500 – Link to register
Most careers come with increased pay as you gain years and experience, but often, this doesn’t occur for arts professionals. This price allows me to cover base expenses (food, facility rental, and paying the musicians fairly) and also pay myself a fee that reflects my 30+ years of teaching, organizing, and community-building experience in the realm of Appalachian Cultural Education.
In reality, when you pay at this tier, it also helps support others who attend at the solidarity level.
Partner Add-On Registration $125 – Link to register
Many folks choose to bring a friend or partner to share in the fun. This partner ticket gains them access to all meals, activities, and evening events, minus the dance classes. Your companion can explore and shop while you take class, then meet up with us for the fun times and amazing musicians and writers! When you check out, you’ll be given the option to add on a partner ticket at that time.
FRIDAY STORYTELLING WORKSHOP $25 – Link to register
