Andy Howard is a sixth generation Floridian currently living in Atlanta.  He earned a Master's of Arts in American Dance Studies from Florida State University, authoring a thesis on the history and social origins of American Team Clogging.  He also earned a Master's in Arts in international business from the University of Florida.  He is a leader in the clogging community, a regular featured instructor at C.L.O.G national conventions and regional events throughout North America.  His group, American Racket, has performed throughout the U.S. and in South Korea, Brazil, Canada, and Costa Rica.  American Racket has shared stages with Bill Cosby, Ted Koppel, Wayne Brady, Sister Hazel, Sugar Ray, Dane Cook and others.  Andy is an active performer, judge, instructor, and conference presenter.  His professional career focuses on marketing, art direction, and public relations for companies including Orlando Opera Company, Orlando Rapertory Theatre, the University of Florida College of Arts, the University of Florida Department of Recreational Sports and (currently) the Georgia Tech Research Corporation in Atlanta.  He has taught credit-earning dance courses in tap, clogging, and world dance at Florida State University and Santa Fe College, worked as an entertainer at Walt Disney World Resort and has been a regular instructor for the University of Florida Dance Life Program which involves researching the impact of movement and dance on people with Parkinson's Disease and their caregivers.  Andy enjoys traveling, performing, and outdoor photography, including underwater photography documenting Florida's extensive network of pristine fresh-water springs.  He holds a Group Exercise certification from the Aerobics certification from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).  He was introduced toe the All American Clogging Team in 2002, the Clogging Team of the Decadein 2010 and the Florida Clogging Hall of Fame in 2015.