Clogging

Traditionally, clogging is a folk dance, like most settler dances. However, many modern dance styles have now influenced clogging, so that in addition to traditional country/bluegrass music, people often dance to modern pop music and elements of jazz and hip hop can also be found in today's choreographies.

Clogging differs from "standard" tap dance due to special plates on the shoes (known as "jingle taps"). In addition to the two fixed metal plates on the heel and toe, clogging taps feature two further plates that are loosely attached to them. This creates a sound even when the foot is simply moved through the air, without touching the ground.

This style of dance was originally also referred to as flat-footing, foot-stomping, buck dancing, jigging, or by other local terms. Common to all variants is the emphasis on the downbeat of the music through distinctive footwork.