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 Hyde Park Social Club, (5 St Gabriel's Ave, Plymouth PL3 4JQ - also accessible via Langhill Road) 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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2026 PROGRAMME
We are planning to dance at the following locations. Performances will commence at 8pm unless otherwise stated.
Thursday 30th April Devonport Park Bandstand PL1 4BT 7.30pm (Rehearsal)
Thursday 7th May The Walkhampton Inn, Walkhampton PL20 6JY with Dartmoor Border Morris & Mayflower Step 7.45 pm
Thursday 14th May The Cornwood Inn, Ivybridge PL21 9PU 7-7.30 pm with Grimspound Border Morris
Tuesday 19th May The Rod & Line, Tideford PL12 5HW with Cat's Eye
Thursday 28th May The Weary Friar, Pillaton PL12 6QS with Trigg Morris
Thursday 4th June The Dartmoor inn, Merrivale PL20 6ST with Cogs and Wheels
Thursday 11th June The Coffee Shop, The Hoe PL1 3DE 7.30pm
Wednesday 17th June The Drake Manor Inn, Buckland Monachorum PL20 7NA
with Plymouth Morris and Mayflower Step
Saturday 4th July All Things Morris, Ilfracombe Location & Time tba
Thursday 9th July The Copley Arms, Hessenford PL11 3HJ with Mayflower Step and Clogworks
Tuesday 14th July The Union Inn, Saltash PL12 4EL with Old Town Twelves
Thursday 23rd July The Crooked Spire Ermington PL21 9LP with Harberton Navy
Thursday 30th July Honnicombe Manor Holiday Park, St Anne's Chapel PL17 8JW with Lodestone Border Morris
Thursday 13th August The Rod & Line, Tideford PL12 5HW with Tywardreath Morris
Thursday 27th August The Crooked Spire, Remington PL21 9LP 7.30pm with Green Willow
Thursday 17th September Devonport Park Bandstand, Plymouth PL1 4BT
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 via email or see Facebook and Instagram via links at top of page.
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. A link to the charity can be found below.
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
MUSIC SAMPLES
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.