Simone Nichols Pace

LEARN & EMBRACE

At two and a half years old, Simone started dancing! 

By the time she turned 12 years old, Simone was teaching others how to clog. 

Simone learned this American folk dance from her dad, Bill Nichols. He carries the title, the Grandfather of Clogging. Clogging has always seemed like a natural form of art and expression for her and their entire family.

While attending college at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, Simone explored ballet and modern dance. As a member of the Furman University Dance theater under the direction of Brenda McCutcheon, Simone added Modern Dance, Ballet, and Jazz techniques to her repertoire.

Bill Nichols Family - Fontana NC

ENTERTAIN & MOTIVATE

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Programming and Business, Simone applied the same essential skills and experiences to enhance her dancing portfolio and career.

At the Farmhouse Dinner Theater in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, she worked as a dance choreographer. Additionally, she owned four South Carolina dance studios: Simone’s Studio in Lyman and Unlimited Power Dance Studio. Unlimited Power locations comprise Boiling Springs, Duncan, and Landrum.

Under her direction, the Silver Bullets Clogging Team won two National Championships! Likewise, she organized and led the Carolina Gold Clogging Team to four National Championships.

Simone is named to the American Clogging Hall of Fame – the All American Team, the All-American Gold Team (now called Team of the Decade), and The International Team.  

Her notoriety in clogging provided teaching opportunities to Canada, Australia, and Slovakia, as well as 48 of the 50 states. She performs and teaches clogging master classes and motivational seminars. Some of the most unique places where she has kicked up her heels include Mexico, Curacao, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, and Cartagena, South America. Several cruise ships traveling to the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Alaska experienced her infectious personality and dancing ability. 

Simone Nichols Pace - toe stands

TEACH & SHARE

Much of Simone’s clogging experience includes instructing others in mastering the traditional and contemporary aspects of the clog dance. For over 15 years, she taught at the Clogging Leaders Organization’s (C.L.O.G.) National Convention. In addition, she assisted in writing part of the curriculum for which clogging instructors are certified, the Certified Clogging Instructor Program. 

In 1986, Simone and her father Bill co-founded Si-Bill Productions, a producer of educational videos for clogging. 

Other accolades and titles encompass being a former co-director for the Spring Fling Clogging Workshop in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, founder and 1st President of the South Carolina Clogging Council, and the founder and first director of the Miss American Clogger Pageant. In addition, she directed Simone’s EPIC Conference (Equipping People in Clogging) and the Miss EPIC pageant in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. 

In 2019, Simone was blessed and honored to be inducted into America’s Clogging Hall of Fame & United Clogging Association Hall of Fame. What a highlight of her career!

Simone Nichols Pace 2019 Clogging Hall of Fame - Maggie Valley NC

EMPOWER, MANAGE & LEAD

Simone’s pageant experience included placing as a Top Ten Finalist and Talent winner in the Miss South Carolina Pageant, and placing 1st runner-up in the Mrs. South Carolina pageant. Simone was a talent advisor to both Miss Tennessee and Miss Kentucky, who was chosen as a top ten finalist in the Miss America pageant.  Her pageant success led Simone to become a member of the State Board and the Official Make-up Artist for the Miss South Carolina Pageant. She also modeled with Rita Allison at Total Image Talent Agency in Lyman, South Carolina. She and Rita have become life-long friends, and Rita is currently a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Throughout our life, we should all continue learning, formally or informally. Simone returned to the classroom and graduated from the Women’s Leadership Institute at Furman and holds a Masters of Management & Leadership from Southern Wesleyan University. 

LOOK AHEAD

Currently, Simone continues helping others learn the art of clogging as a certified clogging instructor and judge. Simone’s Cue Sheet Catalog found on this website showcases over 100 routines and dances for all skill levels. Many are accompanied by videos on YouTube. 

Her most recent undertaking is authoring her first book- My Mountains: The Story of Bill Nichols, The Grandfather of Clogging. It is only the first of many exciting publications to come.  

She believes that one should leave no stone unturned. And of course, do it “for the fun of it”!