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At Studio One, clogging is getting a modern update. With routines set to everything from Michael Jackson to Britney Spears to Whitney Houston, students of sisters Kelly Fithen and Regina Culton are infusing their dances with a little hip-hop and some modern dance, whatever it takes to put on memorable show.

“We just try to put our heads together and think of something that’s different and entertaining,” Culton said. “We base a lot of it on music. We like stuff that’s upbeat and good for the kids to dance to.”

This year’s Studio One recital is called “Retro Rewind” and cloggers are putting their own spins on favorite songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s. That means the Backstreet Boys J.J. Fad’s “Supersonic” juxtaposed with disco favorites like The Bee Gees “Stayin’ Alive.”

“The type of clogging that we do is not the stereotyped clogging. It’s modernized ... There’s hip-hop, other dance forms incorporated into it. ... Instead of just dancing, we try to perform,” Culton said.

The public seems to be responding well to this edgier clogging. In fact, last year’s recital was so popular, Fithen and Culton have decided to give two performances this year. The shows will be at George Rogers Clark High School Saturday, March 27, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 28 at 2 p.m.

“We also choreograph it around the children’s personalities and, obviously, the song. We like to make it tell a short little story, sometimes like a short, brief music video,” Culton said.

The studio has been at its current location nine years, but Culton and Fithen have been lifelong dancers. They began dancing with Steve Smith in Lexington as children, but are largely self-taught, Culton said. This year’s show is special because some of their original students are still around to pitch in and help teach classes and choreograph routines.

“It’s made it nice, having the kids old enough to help us. They will come to my house and baby-sit. They’re in college now and they’ve been with us since they were babies,” Culton said. “. ... Some of the kids that have been with us from the beginning are getting to put in their own input.”

Instructor Hannah Cox has been dancing for 11 years and teaching for 3.

“I love teaching, and I love competing,” Cox said of her time at Studio One.

Studio One is a family atmosphere, with Culton’s 4-year-old daughter Tristen taking classes and hanging out at the studio in the evenings. Fithen’s husband, Kenneth, is a dancer also and has been helping out at the studio.

Culton said that the countless hours dancers spend together rehearsing, performing and traveling to competitions have created a tight bond among dancers and instructors.

“We are all like a family here,” Culton said.

For more information on Studio One or the recital, call 744-4044. Tickets are $12 for one performance or $20 for both shows.

Contact Rachel Parsons at rparsons@winchestersun.com.

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