Together, Gary and Mindy Larsen have developed American Footworks into a powerhouse of traditional American dance, infusing world-class training, cultural heritage, and international collaboration into youth performance. They create not only dance routines but experiences that inspire global connection, history, and joy. Gary and Mindy Larsen lead American Footworks, a vibrant youth folk dance ensemble based in Rexburg, Idaho. They direct the Festival Team, a select group of 20–24 dancers chosen annually from around 100 students in their clogging studio. Selections are based on dance skill, commitment, attitude, and performance ability. Gary Larsen, PhD — Artistic Director Dance Background & Training: As a teenager, Gary won every clogging category he entered, then toured with an American dance troupe and participated in dance festivals American Footworks Footworks Dance Studio . Academic Achievements: He earned a Master’s in Dance from UCLA while dancing professionally with the Aman Folk Ensemble, then served as a dance lecturer at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. He later joined BYU–Idaho, where he teaches clogging, tap, world dance, dance history, choreography, and performance American Footworks Footworks Dance Studio. Gary completed a PhD in Ethnochoreology at the University of Limerick (Ireland) in 2016 and has participated in performances and collaborations across multiple countries. He’s a recognized national teacher and adjudicator for major clogging organizations. He’s also known for his deep research on clogging and broader American folk dance styles, which he continues to incorporate into choreographic work and educational outreach. Mindy began dancing at age three and toured internationally with BYU’s International Folk Dance Company, including with Gary before they married in 1996. Mindy teaches as an adjunct faculty at BYU–Idaho, overseeing clogging and world dance programs. Mindy also choreographs major musicals such as Newsies, Singing in the Rain, Oklahoma!, Cinderella, and more for high schools and community theaters.