Clogging is a form of American dance which originated in Appalachia, usually involving shoes with taps or wooden soles, and syncopated rhythm of the feet. Usually, steps are low (the feet not being raised as high as in Scottish dance or Irish dance). Arms are loose and often swing with the dance. The music danced to is most often reels (4/4 time), hornpipes(slower 4/4 time) and jigs (6/8 time).

Clogging or clog dancing evolved from Irish dance and Scottish dance brought to the Appalachia region by settlers. Consequently, American square dance evolved from Irish and Scottish ceili dance.

Clog"ging, n.

Anything which clogs.

Dr. H. More.

 

© Webster 1913.