If you would like to join us, are interested in finding out more or want to book us for an event, please see below and contact us via the email above or on Facebook via the link above or on Instagram @plymouthclog
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THIS WEBSITE IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING MAINTENANCE
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FREE TASTER SESSION
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We are a small, friendly group looking to recruit new members. Would you like to try dance with a difference? Do you and your friends fancy giving clog dancing a try?
On a Thursday at 8pm we offer a free taster session at Emmanuel Church Hall, (1 Compton Avenue,Plymouth PL3 5BZ) for anyone who is interested in finding out what it is all about.
For dancers no experience or clogs are necessary, just a sense of rhythm and enthusiasm. All are welcome, male and female. Children over 11 years old can join but must be accompanied by an adult .
Our band of musicians is keen to recruit new members who are also welcome to find out more.
You may play almost any instrument but squeezebox and stringed instrument players are particularly required. Brass and woodwind would also be very welcome. We only ask that you have a basic competence with your instrument.
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Dancing is good for our physical and mental wellbeing. It keeps us fit and is fun! It is a great way of meet ing people and keeps a folk tradition alive. ​
BACKGROUND
Formerly known as Plymouth Maids from 1980-2021, Plymouth Clog are a dance group that perform a variety of dances to traditional English tunes played by a live band. We perform traditional Northwest Morris dances which use sticks, garlands, hankies and slings. The dances have been collected by the side or have been choreographed by members over the past 40 years.
Northwest Morris dances were often processional street dances which commemorated large community celebrations before the 1850s. Dancers wear clogs which are a distinctive feature of this style. The hard wooden soles, covered with a layer of rubber, make a loud noise on the ground, the feet hitting the ground in time with the music.
Some Plymouth Clog members also demonstrate traditional step dances from Lakeland and Lancashire . Step dancing is a forerunner of tap and dates from the 18th century. They wear clogs without rubbers and perform on the pavement or on wooden boards.
We teach and practice indoors on Thursday evenings from September to April in central Plymouth. and perform outdoors at pubs, fetes, festivals and popular local areas on Thursday evenings and some weekends from May-August.
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2025 PROGRAMME
Performances are at 8pm unless otherwise stated.
Thursday 1st May Devonport Park Bandstand PL1 4BT 7.30pm
Thursday 8th May Lockyers Quay Cookhouse & Pub, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0DX 7.30 pm
Thursday 15th May The Ploughboy Inn, Saltash PL12 4HG
Wednesday 21st May The Drake Manor Inn, Buckland Monachorum PL20 7NA with Plymouth Morris
Thursday 29th May The Copley Arms, Hessenford PL11 3HJ with Mayflower Step and Clogworks
Thursday 5th June The Weary Friar, Pillaton PL12 6QS with Trigg Morris and Plymouth Morris
Wednesday 11th June The Walkhampton Inn, Walkhampton PL20 6JY with Dartmoor Border Morris
Saturday 14th June Emmanuel Fayre, Emmanuel Church, Plymouth PL3 5BZ (time TBA)
Saturday 21st June Teignmouth Folk Festival (time TBA)
Thursday 26th June Market Inn, Tavistock PL19 9BB with Lodestone Border Morris
Thursday 3rd July Devonport Park Bandstand PL1 4BT
Saturday 5th July Ilfracombe - All Things Morris 10.30am onwards (time TBA)
Thursday 10th July The Crooked Spire Ermington PL21 9LP with Green Willow Clog
Saturday 12th July Tavifringe Festival, Tavistock PL19 0AL (time TBA)
Thursday 17th July Plymouth Hoe Cannons PL1 2NU & Coffee Shack PL1 3DE
Thursday 24th July The Union Inn, Saltash PL12 4EL
Thursday 31st July Plymouth Hoe Cannons PL1 2NU & Coffee Shack PL1 3DE
Thursday 14 August The Ferry House Inn, Saltash Passage PL5 1LA with Dartmoor Border Morris
Saturday 16th August Calstock Heritage Festival (TBC)
Thursday 21st August The Ploughboy, Saltash PL12 4HG 7.30pm
Thursday 28th August The Rock Inn, Yelverton PL20 6DS with Lodestone Border Morris 7.30pm
Thursday 11th September Devonport Park Bandstand PL1 4BT
Saturday 13th September Dartington Morris Day of Dance, Totnes (time TBA)
Saturday 15th November Pudsey Day of Morris, Tavistock (time TBA))
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It may be that you are interested in finding out more about Plymouth Clog. Here are the answers to questions you may have. For more information please contact us as shown under Contact Us heading.
CAN I GIVE CLOG DANCING A TRY TO SEE WHAT IT IS LIKE?
Yes. We have open evenings/taster sessions which are announced in the press, Facebook and Instagram. However we are open to receive newcomers and those who just want to find out more on any Thursday evening between September and April.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLOG DANCING AND MORRIS DANCING?
Clog dancing is also called North West Morris but has its own separate tradition - see "About". There is also much on this subject to be found on the web.
AM I ABLE TO BOOK THE PLYMOUTH CLOG TO PERFORM AT AN EVENT?
Yes. Subject to available dancers and musicians we offer to dance at your or your organisations event for a small fee.
DOES ALL THE MONEY COLLECTED GO TO CHARITY ?
Every couple of years we make a substantial contribution to a charity we have identified. The remainder of the money collected goes to support the team
WHERE DO I SEND PHOTOS AND VIDEOS OF PLYMOUTH CLOG DANCERS WHICH I AM HAPPY TO SHARE WITH THEM?
Email to plymouthclog@outlook.com or share to our facebook page Plymouth Maids Clog Dancers
PLYMOUTH REEL
A Dance Created by Plymouth Maids
Some time ago the Plymouth Maids created a dance named Plymouth Reel.
Over the years It has spread and has been danced by sides over the UK and further afield. Here are links to some of them.