Keep Your Dance Classes and Workshops Moving

One

The Beauty of Clogging
Where Rhythm, Tradition, and Joy Meet
A Dance with Deep Roots
Clog dancing is more than just movement — it’s living history in motion. With origins tracing back to the folk traditions of the British Isles, clogging came to America with immigrants who settled in the Appalachian Mountains and across rural communities. Over time, it blended with Native American rhythms, African-American musical styles, and European folk steps to create a uniquely American dance form.
What Makes Clog Dancing Special?
  • The Sound – The percussive “tap” of metal or hard rubber on shoes creates a rhythmic beat that’s both music and dance at the same time.
  • The Feel – It’s energetic yet accessible; beginners can join in quickly, while advanced dancers can master intricate footwork.
  • The Community – Whether it’s a competition, a festival, or a social dance, clogging brings people together across generations.
  • The Music – Traditionally danced to bluegrass and old-time tunes, modern cloggers also perform to pop, rock, and country hits.
Styles of Clog Dancing
  • Traditional Appalachian Clogging – Rooted in folk traditions, often danced in lines or circles.
  • Contemporary Clogging – Combines old steps with modern choreography and music.
  • Show & Competition Clogging – High-energy, precision team routines performed on stage.
Benefits of Clog Dancing
  • Physical Fitness – Improves coordination, balance, stamina, and leg strength.
  • Mental Wellness – The rhythm and music lift spirits and reduce stress.
  • Cultural Connection – Preserves and shares a rich tradition with future generations.
  • Social Fun – Builds friendships and community bonds.
Why People Fall in Love with It
Clog dancing is pure joy wrapped in tradition. It’s a chance to be both musician and dancer, to connect with heritage, and to celebrate life through movement. Every shuffle, double, and rock step carries the heartbeat of history — yet feels alive and fresh every time you hit the floor.
Getting Started
All you need is:
  • Comfortable clothing
  • Clogging shoes (or sturdy shoes with a smooth sole)
  • A love for music and movement
Local studios, community centers, and dance clubs often offer beginner classes. You can join as a solo dancer or with friends and family — clogging is truly for all ages.
In the Words of Cloggers
“When I dance, I feel the rhythm of those who came before me — and the joy of the ones dancing beside me.”

Two

Teaching Beginners

Basic Step is the foundation of clogging for all other step.
1. Begin with left foot with three quick steps. This will be Left Right Left. Right foot should be free and now repeats Right Left Right. This gives the dancer the feel of alternating feet. Continue this drill with music until the dancer feel comfortable moving to the down beat of the music.
2. Now with the left ball of foot, do a quick push pull creating to double toe sound. After creating the double toe sound, step quickly on the left foot taking weight. This is the double toe step for the first part of the basic. Repeat on Right foot. Now alternate the footwork with the double toe step with music until dancer is comfortable and creates a clean sound with music.
3. Once the double toe step is mastered, to finish the Basic step, incorporate a Rock Step. A Rock step is pushing up on ball of one foot while bringing opposite foot slightly up to step back down on that foot(bring it up and down quickly). This is where you complete the basic. The rock enable that foot to be free to execute the next step. Practice Rock Step on both feet  then put it with the double toe step. Now you have the basic step of clogging. double toe step, rock step. 

Three

Here are some tips for improving dance classes:
  • Arrive prepared
Give yourself a few minutes to change shoes and get ready before class so you can enter the room relaxed and focused.
Have equipment, music, cue sheets, and lesson plans ready.
  • Set goals
Set well-defined, realistic, and achievable goals with yourself and group to help keep you and your dancers motivated.
  • Practice regularly
Schedule specific times each week to practice, and try to stick to them. Even 20 minutes of focused practice can be more beneficial than hours of unfocused work.
Include videos of new dance routine steps.
  • Focus on personal growth
Celebrate achievements and dancers.
Attend workshops.
  • Practice breathing
Conscious breathing can help you relax and move deeper into stretches
  • Lesson Plans                                             
Creating lesson plans on a weekly basis is one of the best resources one can have.
  • Reflection                                                          
How well did the class go? What could you have done to make it better? What will you need to review in next weeks classes?