What is clogging?

Also called "Hillbilly Tapdancing", clogging is an authentic and distinctive form of American folk dance. Clogging has roots that reach back to our Scots-Irish and European heritage; yet at the same time, it has such a contemporary feel that even teenage kids are now involved. The dance form we know today as clogging springs from a blend of several sources. It is fairly well accepted that one of the primary roots of clogging must be the folk dance of the British Isles, starting with the Irish jig. Originally it was done individually, but in the late 1950's, "Precision Clogging" began.  This is a group of dancers doing prescribed routines that are cued or memorized.  "Clog" in Gaelic means "time". The jingle taps worn by the dancers and the heel clicks in the dancing help them keep time.