What is Clogging? Clogging is an American folk dance similar to tap dancing. The name "clogging" is actually a bit misleading because the dancers don't wear wooden clogs - as you might expect from the name - instead, they wear leather-soled shoes or boots with metal taps on the balls and heels. There are flat taps, and "jingle" taps, which have a second plate mounted to the first to make a louder sound. Most cloggers prefer to wear the jingle taps. The name "clogging" actually came from the Gaelic word "clog" which means "time." Cloggers make rhythmic tapping sounds with their feet in time to music, or even a capella. Clogging is a percussive dance that keeps time with the downbeat of the music, whereas most other forms of dance keep time with the upbeat of the music. Cloggers dance to many different styles of music too, including Country-Western, Pop, Rock, and of course, Bluegrass. Clogging often imitates the rhythm of the music it accompanies, although it more often accents and complements the rhythms. Clogging originated in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States, with the English, Irish, and German settlers, but has been influenced by African Americans, Native Americans, and Gypsies. Clogging is also influenced by many of the European dance forms, as well as Canadian step dancing, hip-hop, and breakdancing. Clogging is really a melting-pot of American heritage in the form of dance. Clogging has evolved from free-style dance form into precision steps where routines are choreographed and recorded. Precision, or modern, clogging differs from free-style clogging in that precision clogging enables all dancers to perform the same steps and head-hand gestures in the same sequence. Both free-style and precision clogging exist today and are performed side-by-side in most arenas. The main purpose of clogging has always been to join together to celebrate life, friends, and family. Out of these gatherings, friendly competition has also developed. There are clogging competitions, conventions and workshops as well. In fact, workshops are held somewhere every weekend for cloggers, group directors, and anyone who loves to clog. Instructors from around the world teach their original clogging routines at these workshops. Clogging has become so popular that it has spread not only throughout the U.S. and Canada, but also to many countries in Europe, to Australia, and even to Japan! Clogging is a great form of exercise as well. Here is a quick list of some of the health benefits in clogging: helps coordination and gracefulness develops flexibility lowers blood pressure increases endurance and strength increases lung capacity relieves stress is great for weight loss(burns around 400 calories per hour). provides a great aerobic workout Are you convinced yet? Clogging is really fun! Why not join us today? Click on CLASS SCHEDULE on the left and visit our class today!