I wish I hadn't said anything about clog dancing now, even in jest; I'm out of my depth. I decided to have a look at what it involved, and was led into a wildly-contrasting, confusing, sometimes hilarious world of videos, strange clothing, frightening footwear and technique-based in-fighting. I'm now humbly aware of how little I ever knew about clogging, and how many opportunities I've just stumbled on to offend aficionados of Morris and folk dance, for whom small differences in traditional technique are a matter of life and death. So I shan't say anything more. But I may not apply to join the Post-Menopausal Ladies Clog Extravaganza Training School after all.
Before I deliberately forget all I have just learned, here are two contrasting videos:
Clog Dancing The Serious Way.
Doesn't take up much space, you get to wear your bullet-proof black tights, and allows prize winners to look like someone has played Pin The Tail On The Lib-Dem Supporter.
Clog Dancing For Fun.
Look - teenagers dancing with grown ups, and not cringing with embarrassment or falling over laughing!
If I had to do it, and could choose, I think it would be a cheerful knees-up for me; Bluegrass in Bacteria Gardens. Thankfully, I don't, so it won't. Morris, tap and clog dancers amongst you, please don't write in. I'm already sorry for any offence given.
17 comments:
Those shoes look suspiciously like a pair of Doc Marten's especially with those red anarchy laces. Knees Up ! Clog On !!! much love from les Gang
I don't think Morris dancers are easily offended, at least our friend isn't. Ribbing comes with the territory! I know a lady clog-dancer as well, she has travelled the world clogging...I haven't travelled the world knitting. Sadly.
I love the clogs you pictured first, so simple. It's the Northerner in me...
I remember visiting an aunt and uncle when I was a child and being fascinated by my aunt's clogs. She was a farmer's wife, and wore them for milking! They looked just like the ones in your photo.
This was deepest West Wales in the late 50's, and even though I had lots of other farming relatives, this was the only place I saw them used.
She was not the sort of woman to dance. Ever.
The bluegrass (very catchy tune) must have been filmed in the early '60s. The girls have the kind of haircuts my mum inflicted on me (i.e the 'I'll just take a bit off your fringe' style).
So, having discounted the clog dancing, you'll be tackling the invisible mending next then?!
So we will not be seeing future performances on Youtube then? Awwww
What a great way to get fit. I've always wanted to tap dance. The cats wouldn't like it.
The "Lib Dem" Lady doesn`t look as though she`s enjoying it much! The Bluegrass homespun event looks much more fun.
There is/was a clog factory near Hebden Bridge in West Yorks. We used to visit when we were passing that way. It`s hard to beat a well made clog as a comfortable, functional shoe and we probably wouldn`t have had the Industrial Revolution without them....
I've been looking at Zumba myself.... to add to my workout routine. Whew...it is tough if you actually get a move on with the video....
I'm going to look for one at the DVD shop.... for beginners! An advanced class would kill me right off !! My face was red and blotchy ...my heart was pounding ...and I work out regularly..... wow....
I should look for a Post-Menopausal Nondancer's Un-co-ordinated Ladies Zumba Class near me... ..
That clog dancer didn't seem to be breaking much sweat.
You don't want an Easter holiday in Edinburgh looking after two cats? The post is vacant...
Look! Teens not watching TV......smiling.......having fun......exercising.......girls not interested in showing off their boody .....parents supervising kids.....
Hard to believe that there was such a time. And, I am glad that I grew up then instead of now.
Wow, it's all news to me! Not seen it at all before!. When my daughter learnt Irish dancing however, as a child, the teacher encouraged the mothers to learn the basic reels for fun - even that just about killed me.
Last year there was a film out about Morris dancers. I really wanted to see it.
I have a pair of tap shoes somewhere at the back of my closet. I'd like to think that tap is the cooler end of the clogging spectrum.
Come on you're not sorry really!Thanks for the hilarity, what is it about traditions that makes us break out in a sweat and fits of giggles.
I have a relative and friends who are clog dancers, the relative in her 80's now.There I've come out and fessed up, hope you won't hold it against me!!
Fun videos- thank you. Wish I could clog dance!!!
Reminds me of Bill Tidy's "The Cloggies" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cloggies). But then I was drummed out of the University Folk Dance Society for "not taking it seriously".
Jan
Here I am in deepest West Wales where they still occasionally dance in clogs. There's also a very old clog in the Cimne Fawr put there as an offering to the house gods and replaced (with an orange) by our builders last time the house was renovated. Back in fashion now too (apparently!)
PS: Apropos your previous post - I love the fact that your cats are so much bigger than your dog! Cute.
Not sure it's for me either - though the bluegrass version looks fun. Must be a great way to use up calories.
Bee - was the film 'Morris - a life with bells on'? It's our flicks in the Sticks film tomorrow night and i'm not sure I really, really want to go.
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