What is Clogging
Clogging is a dance style that evolved in the Appalachian Mountains in America and enjoys widespread popularity around the world. When the Appalachians were settled in mid 1700’s by the Irish, Scottish, English and Dutch - Germans, the folk dances of each area met and began to combine in an impromptu foot tapping style, the beginning of clog dancing as we know it today. Other influences were the Cherokee Indians, African tribal people and Russian Gypsies. It has continued to evolve as an individual form of expression by using the feet as an instrument to make rhythmic and percussive sounds to accompany the music. Clogging is done to modern country and pop music that has a rhythmic beat. Steps are cued (called out), The word “Clog” comes from the Gaelic and means “time”. Clogging is a dance that is done in time with the music to the downbeat – usually with the heels keeping rhythm. There are Clogging Clubs in every State and Territory in Australia and a couple in New Zealand. Regular camps are held each year for workshops where new dances are taught. The Australian Clogging Association holds an Annual Convention every year in a different region. For 2017 it will be Melbourne, then off to Tasmania for 2018. |