Mountain music is often associated with Southwest Virginia as the music is one of the well-known features of this area. There is one thing that brings the music to life and once you experience it, you will never be the same, flatfoot dancing. Grayson Highlands State Park is offering you the opportunity to join in the mountain culture this September with flatfoot dancing and more family fun.

Everyone is invited to give flatfoot dancing a try at Grayson Highlands State Park

Flatfoot dancing is often mistaken for clogging. Although the music is the same, actually the two styles of dancing are not. Clogging is a high stepping structured dance that is often performed in teams. Flatfoot dancing is a more casual style of dance where the feet seemingly glide across the floor to the rhythm of the sounds of fiddles and banjos.  The history of flatfoot dancing goes back generations. 

Often times, children learn traditions by simply watching their parents or grandparents. I have heard my father retell stories of an uncle who was known around the area for his flatfootin’ skill. Spectators would marvel at how easily he would glide across the floor. His young nephew soon realized the secret. A handful of salt scattered on the floor makes the feet glide much smoother.

Grayson Highlands State Park offers several chances for you to practice this old-time skill this September:

A collection of Hash's fiddles will be on display. Along with performances and instrument-making displays, there will be plenty of food, local crafts, concessions, a farmers' market, cake walks and lots of dancing. 

This is a chance to spend some time with Henderson, a world renowned guitar-maker and musician, sharing memories and music with a small crowd.

Lastly, Virginia's traditional mountain culture comes alive during a two-day Harvest festival. The air fills with bluegrass and old-time music as well as the sweet aroma of barbecued chicken and sorghum molasses. Enjoy the crafts fair and numerous demonstrations of pioneer living.

With fall on the horizon and cooler temperatures beginning to change the mountain leaves of Southwest Virginia, you cannot miss these opportunities to join in the traditional festivities.

Come on out and celebrate one of the best times of the year at Grayson Highlands State Park.