The word 'Clog' is Gaelic for "time'
(Gaelic is a ancient Irish and Scottish dialect).
Clog dancing therefore is 'time dancing' with the
heel being the 'time keeper'.
Clogging is a true American folk dance whose roots are buried deep in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains which run through the Eastern States of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia.
In the mid 1770's large numbers of Scottish, English, Irish and German immigrants settled in the Appalachians, bringing with them their traditional folk dances.
Many clogging steps are reminiscent of the Scottish Highland dancing or Irish step dancing. Other clogging steps with a distinct military sound are thought to have come from Germany.
Clogging of old was done impromptu to foot tapping Bluegrass music that also has it's roots in the Appalachians. As clogging moved out of the mountains to the flatlands, special taps were added to give the dance it's distinctive sound.
Clogging has in the last 15 years spread to all parts of the world including Japan, England, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, as well as many more European countries.
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