Clogs and stepping

Clogs and Stepping

Step clog is essentially a solo dance performed in wooden soled clogs where a rhythm is beaten out by tapping various parts of the clog against the floor ... the other clog ... somebody else's clog ...

Although we usually dance as a group we don't do clog morris. The difference is simple - clog morris (North West morris done in clogs) has complicated moves and simple steps, our movements are simple to non-existent, but the steps are (sometimes) complicated.

These are typical Lancashire 'Dandy' clogs - meant for showing off, hence the extra eyelets, crimping (fancy patterns in the leather) and pointy toes. Note the steep ramp up at the toe - this makes for a point of balance with the heels well off the ground. Handy for Lancashire/Cheshire style competitions where a dancer was disqualified if his heels ever touched the ground!

By contrast North Eastern style clogs are very much flatter and the style of dance is correspondingly different with heel beat steps forming a large part of the repertoire.

Which came first? - competition rules, clog style or dance style - don't know, what do you think ...