Clogging: An American Dance Form Fit for Everyone

Next month starts the beginning of the season for local cloggers. Located in Newry, the Horseshoe Cloggers will begin their weekly lessons for anyone who wishes to learn.

The group offers dance lessons for clogging, which is defined as a dance form distinguished by its unique tap shoes and fast-paced footwork.

Clogging shoes hold four taps on each shoe, with two on the heel and two on the toe. According to Horseshoe Cloggers instructor Tracie Madden, "In clogging, you keep time with the heel of your foot."

The Horseshoe Cloggers have been around for 40 years, as the group was formed in the mid-80s. But clogging itself has been around far longer.

Clogging is a dance form that originated in the Appalachian Mountains. In the 1700s, that area was settled by many Europeans and those of Irish, Scottish, English, and Dutch-German backgrounds combined their folk dances, which was the beginning of clogging as we know it today. The dances were mostly to bluegrass tunes.

As clogging spread, it was also influenced by Native American and African dance forms, so many cultures have guided the dance to become what it is.

In the 1920s, groups began to form and enter into competitions. One group (from the US) even performed for the Queen of England.

The '70s saw the skyrocketing of clogging's popularity. Workshops were created and allowed for people to come and learn choreographed dances. Many competitions had taken place as well, and have continued throughout the years.

Today, clogging is done with all types of music, including country, pop, Christian, and of course, bluegrass.

The Horseshoe Cloggers, themselves, have a diverse range of music for all to enjoy, as well as offering many dances to fit everyone's pace.

Madden said, "Most people who come to class really enjoy it. Some who take lessons decide to perform, some don't. Everyone learns at their own pace."

Madden herself has been dancing all her life, but she started clogging in the early '90s.

"I started clogging in Illinois back in '92, and when I moved back to Pennsylvania, I joined the Horseshoe Cloggers in 1997," she said.

She quickly became the instructor of the group in 1998, when the previous teacher decided to leave.

She is thankful to have joined the group, as clogging has become one of her passions.

She said, "I have always loved to dance and clogging gave me an opportunity to dance as an adult because there are not many opportunities for adults to take dance lessons or perform. This gives me a chance to do both."

The Horseshoe Cloggers provide weekly lessons for members. Along with the lessons, the Cloggers have many opportunities throughout the year to perform the dances they learn.

"We do performances year-round, but they mostly fall in the summer," said Madden. "We perform at festivals, we've performed at parties such as class reunions, birthday parties, and anniversary parties, and we perform at nursing homes."

Every December, the Cloggers also organize a Christmas/graduation party to perform for family and friends. The beginner cloggers are also awarded a certificate.

Madden said, "It's a great hobby; it's good for the mind and body. I enjoy dancing and it has physical and mental benefits."

Clogging is a great dance style since it allows people to stay active and have fun at the same time.

"Clogging is a lot of fun; I've made a lot of friends," said Madden. "I would encourage anyone to give it a try."

The Horseshoe Cloggers currently have 30 members, many of whom reside in the Cove. They would love to have more.

Classes take place at the Newry Lions Club, located down the road behind Leighty's Farm Market. They run every Monday night from September through May. Beginners' classes start at 7pm and intermediate classes are at 8pm. Everyone ages eight and up is welcome to join.

Monday, September 30 will be a "try it" night, in which they will offer free lessons at 7pm to anyone who is interested and wants to check it out.

To join or inquire, contact the Horseshoe Cloggers through their facebook or email them at horseshoeclogger@gmail.com.