Clogging is a type of Irish folk dance with a long history. While it’s similar to tap in that dancers use their heels and toes to make clicking sounds on the floor, there is one significant difference. With the original form of this dance, the arms stay straight to the person’s body.
But in recent years, clogging has been infused with other dance styles. One of these is hip-hop. In this case, dancers still use the traditional heel/toe movements but dancers can use their arms. Also, when mixed with other dance styles, people incorporate a variety of other body movements. Whether traditional or infused, clogging is a fun dance to perform and watch.
Online viewers had the chance to see some of the best cloggers in action as they took first place in a fierce competition.
The bellhop
This incredible video begins with two male dancers hanging onto a luggage rack, the kind you see in hotels. Then entering from both stage left and stage right are a group of girls, all decked out in red. Each dancer is holding a suitcase as part of the props used for this clogging piece.
Checking in
As the dancers get into a position, a couple of them do a few subtle moves. It looks as though it’s some kind of girls’ trip and they’re all checking into a hotel for a weekend of fun. Of course, the bellhops are there to assist with the luggage.
They’re ready to go
After scrambling around, all the dancers line up in the center portion of the stage. With this being a clogging competition, the audience waits in anticipation for the dancing to start. And when it does, they’re not disappointed.
Perfect synchronization
The minute the cloggers begin, their footwork is perfectly synchronized. And with their arms by their side, they perform the traditional style of this dance. Every click and clack of their shoes stay in beat with the song. They’re so good, you can’t take eyes off them for a second in fear you’ll miss something.
They’re young but super talented
These might be younger dancers but you can tell they’ve spent a lot of time perfecting their craft. They add in both cute and complicated moves that make their performance even more exciting to watch. Then just under halfway through the video, they throw in some jazz moves…hands shaking in the air like the pros did in the 1930s. Spectacular.
That’s some mighty fine footwork
Not only does this group of dancers use a lot of the traditional clogging moves but they do some things you’d never expect. That includes going up on their toes and holding the position for a few seconds. They move their feet incredibly fast but without missing a single step.
They know they nailed it
While these cloggers smiled throughout the performance, near the end of the video, you can see just how confident they feel. What makes watching this performance so exciting is that in addition to being highly skilled, these dancers are having fun.
These cloggers are so good, they went on to take first place. Considering how well they did, they deserved it. For a fast-paced, feel-good video, check it out below. You’ll agree with one commenter who said, “Beautiful routine, and well done. Love the outfits also.”
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Source: YouTube
