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Clogging is a PERCUSSIVE DANCE FORM -- so yes, it is similar to tap, irish and canadian step dance. But clogging is more than that. Clogging is very much a part of our American heritage. It began in the Appalachian Mountain region and was brought to America by Irish, Scottish, English and Dutch Germans who settled there in the mid 1700s. The settlers shared dances from their home countries and new 'combined' forms of dance began to evolve. Our Native Americans, African Americans and even gypsies added to the evolution of this unique dance. And the evolution continued. Canadian step dance, tap and jazz dance have influenced how clogging changed over time. And we still see this evolution -- with influences from street dance, hip-hop and more making thier way into the clogging routines of today.
The two main styles of clogging found today are traditional clogging often done to bluegrass and country music and contemporary precision clogging, meaning that all the dancers are dancing the same steps at the same time. Contemporary style is danced to a wide variety of upbeat music including bluegrass, country, pop, rap and more.
The word "clog" means "time" in Gaelic. Clogging is danced keeping time with the downbeat.
Many people think clogging is a dance performed in wooden shoes, however this is not true. Mordern cloggers wear leather jazz oxfords similar to a tap dancer's shoe. Where does the 'wooden shoe' sterotype come from? English dancers do wear wooden clogs with leather uppers.
Cloggers have a special tap unique to clogging. Tap shoes have a single, solid tap attached to the toe and heel of the shoe. Clogging taps (often called 'double taps') have another piece rivoted to the solid piece. This 'double tap' makes more of a "jingle" sound and gives clogging its unique sound.
Another interesting difference between clogging and other forms of dance is clogging is one of the few dances also considered a sport. Dancers form teams and compete in area, state and national events.
Clogging is enjoying some well-earned recognition in recent years. In 2003, clog dancing was included as a competitive dance sport in the AAU Junior Olympics. Nationally-televised talent contest are bringing cloggers into the homes of many. Last year the clogging group "ALL THAT" placed second in the "America's Got Talent" contest. And this summer, three clogging groups made it to the Las Vegas finals and "EXTREME DANCE FX" made it into the top 20. So keep your eye out as cloggers are starting to be recognized in the media. There have even been cloggers spotlighted on television and major motion picture projects.
For a more detailed look at the history of clogging see the article written by Jeff Driggs at http://www.doubletoe.com/history.htm.
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