Jan's clogging journey began in 1981 after she moved to Statesville, North Carolina. While visiting the local YMCA, she spotted a sign advertising clogging lessons. The flyer promised "no special shoes required" and "no partner needed," so she decided to give it a try - and quickly fell in love with the dance.
After marrying in 1982, Jan and her husband relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina. Eager to continue clogging, she joined a local group that met at the YMCA, where she met Bryan Craddock, a member of the Hemlock Bluff Cloggers who also taught weekly classes. Jan joined Bryan's performing group, entertaining audiences at local retirement communities and even performing at the local jail for inmates - Jan experience she still remembers as one of the more unique stops along her clogging journey!
In 1987, Jan moved to Virginia and once again set out to find a clogging group. She initially danced with a group in Falls Church, but when her husband's job transferred him to Warrenton, the commute became too difficult. Undeterred, Jan continued her search and, in 1998, found the Bull Run Cloggers. After taking lessons with one of the members, she joined the performing group in 1999.
Over the years, Jan has become an integral part of the Bull Run Cloggers family. She has organized countless celebrations, taught new dancers as a clogging instructor, served on the Board of Directors, and helped strengthen the group's sense of community. Today, in addition to instructing new students, she proudly serves as President, continuing her commitment to preserving and promoting the tradition of Appalachian clogging.