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In Loving Memory...

Doug Chin
[1997 to present]

Born along the mountains of southern China, Doug was given a choice of two disciplines to develop: Qing or Qiao. Doug chose to learn Qiao, to raise one's foot. Had he followed the path of Qing (to raise one's hand), he might have gotten around to writing his own bio.

So he made his way on foot across China until he finally found himself on California soil. Here he further developed his skills by learning how to clog. His family was angry because they believed he was turning against his culture, but he assured them that there is greater wisdom in being a man of the world.

He joined Barbary Coast in the late 90s to help guide the cloggers of the next century. One of his great accomplishments was the development of the "Doug Strum", a movement that continues to baffle clogging scholars all over the nation.

 


Special Gallery/Slideshow

We will miss you, Doug.

Doug Chin was a remarkable man. Aside from an exceptional sense of rhythm that made him a great dancer, he cared deeply about performing as a strong ensemble. He understood the power of unison and precision.

Doug was a tremendous asset to Barbary Coast Cloggers for many years, but even more so to the larger dance community throughout the region. He led the renowned Young Rebels and also danced with the Hillbilly Cloggers and many other ensembles.

I personally appreciated his work ethic, sense of responsibility, and how passionately he urged all of the members to focus on continuous improvement so they could contribute to the ensemble as a whole. He offered insight on how to work with a group over a long period of time in a way that emphasized quality, consistency, and showmanship.

Doug got more than his share of teasing as BCC’s token straight guy... but he always took it in stride and occasionally responded with a withering comeback that left us all speechless.

Please send me photos to add to this collection.  We will make sure that they are all available to Doug’s family.

Rest in peace, dear friend.

Matt Ellinger