Clogging is an art form and very much a part of our heritage!
It began in the Appalachian Mountains brought to America by Irish, Scottish, English, and Dutch Germans who settled there in the mid 1700s. Our Native Americans, African Americans, as well as today's Canadian, tap, and jazz dances have also had their influence.

The word "clog" means "time" in Gaelic. Clogging is danced keeping time with the downbeat. The basic difference between clogging and tap dancing is the clogger's heels keep time with the downbeat of the music and the type of shoe worn is slightly different. Many people think clogging is a dance performed in wooden shoes but the reality is most cloggers wear taps. Tap shoes have a single tap attached to the toe and heel. Clogging taps have an additional tap riveted on top of the single tap. These are called "double taps" and make more of a "jingle" sound. (The pictures to the side give you a general idea of the the shoes and taps worn today. Click on the images for a larger view).

Depending upon the dance style and origin, the clogger may sport different dance shoe types or dance in a somewhat different form but they all keep time to the music with their feet. For example, English dancers wear wooden-soled shoes with leather uppers. Irish dancers wear leather-soled shoes sporting fiberglass tips and hollow heels. 

Clogging is one of the few dances considered a sport. Individuals form teams and compete in area, state, and national events. Within the "clogging" terminology there are many variations to the standard clogging style. Steps are done on the balls and heals of the feet following the melody in Buck Dancing. Canadian Step Dancing has no drag-slide motion, but instead has a continual up and down hopping motion. Irish Step Dancing differs greatly from other clogging forms. Instead of the feet being side by side they are placed one in front of the other, toes turned out as in 5th position (ballet). Unique foot and ankle movements add to the beauty of this style.* 

This is just a brief synopsis of clogging. If you are interested in learning more about this fun form of dance, please check out our links page or  and we would be glad to tell you more!

*This well-written explanation and history of clogging was discovered while surfing the web some time ago. Unfortunately, the author and site were not documented when it was originally found. If you happen to know who wrote it or come across it again while surfing, please let us know so we can give credit where due.

is so darned much fun!!!