Clog dancing or clogging is a beautiful folk dance. It is the official state dance of North Carolina and Kentucky in the United States.
The most defining element of the clog dance is its footwork. The focus of the dance is on footsteps and upper body movements are not that important. Of course to construct a good visual dance a dancer need to have both upper body and lower body in balance otherwise it will seem disoriented. The origins of clog dance are unknown.
Clog Dancing Costumes
There are no special costumes for this dance but a clogging shoe is very important. Since the shoes are used to produce sound and rhythm while dancing the need to be a particular type. Initially clogging shoes were made of lead and the sole was made of hardwood. Wood makes a good and clear sound. With recent developments, both dance and shoe saw some changes. The modern shoe had leader heels which produce a similar sound to wood. Wood soled shoe have become rare and almost extinct in modern times.
Dance Performance
The dancers strike their heel and toe on the floor which causes it to make a beat. When it is done continuously in rhythm both music and dance become interesting. During the entire dance performance, heel stomping on the floor continues till the end.
Clogging has 5 categories depending on their style.
- Stomp Clogging
- Buck Dancing
- Shuffle Clogging
- Rhythm Clogging
- Cadence Clogging
Other Names of Clogging
Clog dance is also known as clogging, buck dancing, foot-stomping, or jigging. These are only the known terms worldwide there can be other names for them locally.