Learning the violin is hard enough, but to play it while dancing at the same time? Unthinkable. However, for Hillary Krug, this is nothing but a walk in the park.
Klug is a remarkable artist who effortlessly blends the art of buck dancing (or clogging) with violin playing, creating a performance that’s as captivating as it is unique. Watching her, you’d think it’s easy, but the skill required is immense.
Performing on a wooden stage, Hillary uses her feet to keep the rhythm while her violin adds the melody, turning each performance into a captivating dance hall mania.
Originally from Fayetteville, Tennessee, where she spent her first 18 years, and later living in Lynchburg, Virginia for a while, Hillary has now made her way back to Nashville. Her journey into the music scene began with clogging classes at age eight and took a significant turn when she picked up a violin five years later. Despite her family not being musically inclined, Hillary was lucky to have her mother’s support, even aiding in the purchase of her first violin.
Having started learning the violin relatively late, Hillary’s musical voyage wasn’t smooth sailing. Group violin lessons were challenging, and it took her over three months to master “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” Determined not to give up, she sought alternative methods to hone her skills. A chance encounter with a fiddle teacher at a local contra dance opened a new chapter in her musical journey, introducing her to the rich world of old-time music and dancing combined.
“Nobody in my family plays music or dances, and I had no idea that the world of old-time music and dance existed, but the more I learned, the more I was drawn to it,” Hillary recalled.
This newfound passion led Hillary to immerse herself in the old-time music community, where she became a regular at weekly square dances. Her dedication and talent didn’t go unnoticed, as she went on to win the National Buck Dancing Championship and the Kentucky State Dance Championship. Quick feet and a knack for violin – what a perfect combination!
Now, Hillary is on the road, sharing her unique blend of music and dance with audiences far and wide, while also building a strong online following. Since launching her YouTube channel in 2018, she’s already garnered over 18 million views in total, a testament to her unique talent and the bright future that lies ahead. To support Hillary, please consider subscribing to her YouTube channel or following her on Facebook.