America On Stage


AMERICA ON STAGE began in a small, pungent, day care center in Sunset, Utah on June 10, 1981. Bryan and Bonnie Steele joined with Dennis Cobia as directors of two fledgling clog dance groups and began to spread the good news of “clogging”. During its history, America on Stage has had many “incarnations” depending on the interests of the founders. In the early years, as the Steele Family and Wild West Cloggers, dancing and directing were key. Bryan and Bonnie, with members of their families, managed 13 clog dance studios throughout Utah. During the hay day of the Hee Haw Clogging World Championships at Opryland, USA, competing was the focus. As the body and feet began to wear out, a group of nearly 50 franchise locations under the name of Center Stage, USA was born. Today, America on Stage is focused on providing high-quality products and services to performing arts studios and directors throughout North America.
 

UPDATE - 2008

America on Stage Announces Exciting New Leadership Team Additions

Hall of Fame Leaders Get New Responsibilities

 America on Stage announces a bold move to launch new programs and new leadership into the next generation.  The expanded team is gearing up for Nationals and the 2006-07 Year.  Enthusiasm is high and there is great anticipation for growth and innovation.  Bryan Steele, current president proclaimed, “ The Future is looking brighter than ever .“

 America on Stage and its Executive Board is pleased to announce the promotion of Greg Tucker from Orem, Utah to the position of Executive Director. As Executive Director, Greg will assume responsibility of all the day to day operations for America on Stage.  Greg is a member of the Executive Board and was formerly the Director of Information Services.  Bryan Steele will remain in his current position as President and Mr. Steele and Karen Carter will remain active as Board members. Update: Karen Carter has since retired from the board and is happily enjoying post competition life with her family.

 America on Stage is also pleased to announce the expansion of its top leadership team to include executives from across the country.  Scotty Bilz from Atlanta Georgia will become an America on Stage Director for the Eastern part of the United States and will assist in the Clogging Program for the National Clog Dance Convention and Camp.  Susan Phillips from Atlanta, Georgia has accepted the position of  National Competition Director of the America on Stage National Championships with Bryan Steele and will hold an executive position at the America on Stage National Clogging Dance Convention and Camp.  Scotty and Susan are experienced and effective leaders and will provide independence and strength for the management of the National Clogging and Power Tap events held at the Lagoon Amusement Park and the National Camp and Convention.

 Greg Tucker was born clogging.  His father, Terry Tucker, hosted the first competition in the Western United States and Greg danced on his father’s premier high school team, Cloggers West.  Greg has been a National Champion clogger for many years and with his wife, Maria, they are the only couple to ever capture National Duet Titles from three separate organizations during the same year.  Greg is also an accomplished computer programmer – affectionately referred to as the “juice”.  The proprietary software used at all America on Stage competitions is the product of his excellent work.  Greg has been serving America on Stage for nearly three years as a full-time director and has developed a passion and love for this program that will serve him well with his leadership team as they move the program into the future.  Tuck said, “I must be crazy because I love Mondays - I love to wake up every morning and can’t wait to start working on America on Stage.”  His enthusiasm and skill are unprecedented in this field. Under his leadership team,  the future looks remarkable and exciting.

 Like Greg, Scotty Bilz has been clogging for life.  Introducing Scotty is a bit redundant, as everyone in clogging knows Scotty.  He is one of the featured National Instructors at every workshop and National Convention and Camp.  He is an accomplished National Champion many times over and a fierce competitor.  He directs one of the top clogging groups in the country, Cloggers FX.  What many may not know,  is that Scotty is one of the most creative thinkers in clogging.  His leadership will be welcomed and embraced by all.

 Susan Phillips is currently serving as the Executive Director for C.L.O.G., one of the most prestigious national clogging organizations in the country.  Susan also served with distinction on the Jr Olympics Clogging Board for three years and is the Competition Director of the highly successful “Challenge of Champions” in Branson, Missouri.  Her management qualifications are extensive and her professionalism and organizational skills have earned her the reputation as an excellent leader and motivator.  She is a terrific addition to the America on Stage Executive Team.

 These new leaders will join an outstanding leadership team. Lisa Timothy from Riverton, Utah will continue her strong leadership on the executive board and will assume the responsibilities of National Chairman for tabulation and scoring.  Lisa has proven to be a loyal and accomplished manager with superior computer abilities.  Jana Shaw’s effective leadership of the Dance Program at Lagoon and Shelley Liljenquist direction of  the National Cheer Program will provide great experience for the future. The current Competition Directors will continue for the exciting KOC Thanksgiving Point, directed by Jennifer Powers from Kamas, Utah and for the very successful Idaho State Championships, Randy and LaChere Vawdrey from Pocatello, Idaho and the impressive new Panoramaland KOC in Richfield, directed by Shauna Blake and ReNae Woolsey.  The highly acclaimed all-around solo program leadership will remain intact with National Co-Chairman Bethany Hulse from Orem, Utah and Jennifer Powers.  Current members of the committee assisting in this outstanding program are; Maria Tucker,  Aryion Adams from Morgan, Utah, Shanell Hatch from Buffalo, Wyoming, and Scotty Bilz.

 America on Stage is delighted to announce additions to our impressive event management team. Enhancing the team will be Gina Underwood from Pocatello, Idaho directing the Idaho State Championships Dance Program, Anne Weichers from South Jordan, Utah directing the Thanksgiving Point Dance Program, Debbie Johnson and Heather Mineer from Parowan, Utah with assistance from ReNae Woolsey directing the Dixie Spectacular Clogging Program, Brandi Gollinger from West Jordan, Utah co-directing the Springfest Clogging Championships, and Taunia Wheeler from Vernal, Utah serving as a Competition Director.   As America on Stage expands the All-Around Solo Program to include three more categories in 2007, the following have accepted positions on the National All-Around Solo Committee; Misty Peterson from West Jordan, Utah, Jessica Dawes from West Jordan, Utah, Shauna Blake from Richfield, Utah, , Missy Egan from Heber, Utah and Lindsey Greenwood from Sandy, Utah.  Accepting the position of National Chairman for the All-American and Hall of Fame Program for Clogging and Power Tap is Brandi Gollinger with Brian Wells from West Jordan, Utah and Jenny Powers as a member of the Committee.

 Finally, America on Stage announces a change in the schedule of competitions.  America on Stage will be offering a new competition on our summer schedule called  the Tournament of Champions to be held during their National Clogging Convention & Camp on July 15 – more to come – IT WILL BE AWESOME!

 As America on Stage continues down this path of impressive growth and exciting innovations, many more leaders are needed to join the team.  If you are interested PLEASE send an email to greg@americaonstage.org or bryan@americaonstage.org.  Most of those who have accepted positions have volunteered to help build the National Program. We want and need your help!  Please contact us.

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