Elderly Driver Teaches Cop How To Clog Dance During A Traffic Stop

Jun 01, 2023

A routine traffic stop turned into an impromptu dance lesson between a cop and an elderly driver, and the incident was documented on the police camera. Officer Woodmansee of the Pickens Police Department in South Carolina found herself immersed in a delightful dance, showcasing the power of human connection and bringing smiles to the faces of people worldwide.

The incident occurred just after midnight on a quiet Sunday, May 7, 2023. When the officer noticed a white pickup truck swerving slightly, she promptly asked the driver to pull over. Little did she know that this traffic stop would soon take an unexpected turn.

As Woodmansee approached the vehicle, she was intrigued by the driver's choice of footwear, which was a pair of dancing clogs, per Fox 5 News. Curiosity got the better of her, and she asked the driver if he danced. To her delight, he responded with enthusiasm and offered to teach her a thing or two about clog dancing, a vibrant form of percussive dance that has deep roots in various cultures.

Clog dancing has enjoyed significant popularity in North and South Carolina, where it has become deeply ingrained in the local culture. The region's strong musical heritage, including bluegrass, has greatly influenced the development and style of clog dancing in these areas.

Widely regarded as a precursor to bluegrass music, clog dancing's rhythmic footwork and lively movements were often performed to accompany this fiddle music, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two art forms.

Eager to learn, Woodmansee accepted the gentleman's invitation, and the roadside instantly transformed into a makeshift dance floor under the starry night sky. With their bodies swaying to an invisible beat, they embarked on a two-step dance lesson that left bystanders in awe.

The heartwarming encounter was captured on Woodmansee's body camera and later shared on the Pickens Police Department's Facebook page on May 8, 2023. The video quickly went viral, with over 25,000 views and nearly 500 reactions. 

It touched the hearts of viewers from around the world. Many praised the officer for her willingness to connect with the community she serves, and admired the unexpected bond formed through the universal language of dance.

"This stop for failure to maintain lane quickly turned into a two-step dance lesson from a kind gentleman who had just left Cotton Eyed Joe’s,” the caption on the Facebook video stated. "We are not sure yet if Officer Woodmansee will receive training credits from the Criminal Justice Academy for learning the two-step but it definitely brought a smile to our face."

In turn, Cotton Eyed Joe's, the local dance hall, reshared the video and identified the elderly driver as “our sweet Fred, “ a regular patron. 

"He got pulled over for a traffic violation. Cute cute cute. That officer had no idea she would receive dance lessons,” they said.

The heartwarming exchange between the officer and Fred highlights the power of human connection, breaking down barriers and fostering unity within the community. It serves as a reminder that even in unexpected moments, joy and harmony can be found, transcending differences and fostering a sense of togetherness.

As the video continues to circulate, it is clear that Woodmansee's dance lesson transcends the boundaries of Pickens, spreading happiness and reminding us all that there is never a wrong time to learn some dance moves, even after being pulled over by the police.

The dance lesson shared between Officer Woodmansee and Fred will be remembered as a cherished moment of connection. What can you say about this unexpected encounter? Pass this story along to someone who needs some good vibes today!