Two of the most asked questions of cloggers are --

It is a true American folk dance that originated in the Appalachian Mountains. Irish, Scottish, English, Dutch, and Germans who settled there in the mid 1700s all played a role in this great form of dance. Native Americans, African Americans, as well as today's Canadian, tap, jazz, and hip-hop styles of dance have also had and continue to influence the evolution of clogging.

The word "clog" means "time" in Gaelic. Clogging is danced keeping time with the downbeat of the music. Many people think clogging is a dance performed in wooden shoes but this is a misconception. The reality is most cloggers wear taps. Tap shoes have a single tap attached to the toe and heel. Most 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. Hover your mouse over the images for a larger view). Although clogging and tap dancing look similar, they do have their differences. Cloggers keep time to the down beat of the music and their style of taps  emanate a different sound. Although various cloggers may wear different dance shoe types or dance in a somewhat different form, they all keep time to the music with their feet.

People clog throughout the United States and it has also gained great popularity throughout the world! While most cloggers dance for leisure, there are individuals who form teams and compete in area, state, and national events. There are many variations to the standard clogging style. Mainstream clogging is done on the flat and ball portions of the feet and doing heel clicks, drags, and slides with the foot movement. The more advanced buck style form of clogging is danced on the balls and heals of the feet while adding more intricate and faster steps. Canadian Step Dancing is similar but has more of an up and down hopping motion and Canadian steps are often utilized in the more advanced styles of clogging. 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). The body is kept in a more uniform upright position and 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!