Clogging
Clogging is a North American tap dance that developed from various European folk dance forms .
This type of dance was originally known as flat-footing , foot-stomping , buck dancing , jigging or other local expressions. Common to all variants is the emphasis of the whole beat of the music ( downbeat ) by distinctive footwork.
Clogging differs from “normal” tap dancing in that it has special plates on the shoes (so-called jingle taps ). In addition to the two fixed metal plates on the heel and toe, the clogging tabs have two more loosely connected plates. This creates a noise if you just move your foot in the air without touching the ground.
Traditionally, clogging is not a show, but a folk dance, as is the case with most settler dances. However, many modern types of dance have now influenced clogging, so that in addition to traditional country / bluegrass music, people like to dance to modern pop music and elements of jazz and hip-hop can also be found in today's choreographies . A stronger emphasis on Irish dance in terms of music selection and dance style is also very popular .
In Europe, many clogging groups are traditionally affiliated with square dance clubs, but they can now also be found frequently in gymnastics clubs and dance schools.
