top of page
IMG_E1703.JPG

ff

FREE TASTER SESSION

 

Ww

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.

​

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. 

For more information, check us out on this site, find us on Facebook and Instagram @Plymouth Clog or email plymouthclog@outlook.com

 

 

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. We 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. 

 

 

 


​

Home: About

PROGRAMME 2024


This year we intend to perform at the following (8pm unless otherwise stated):

Saturday 11th May  Callington Mayfest - time & location tba

Thursday 16th May  Drake Manor Inn, Buckland 
Monachorum PL20 7NA with Lodestone Morris

Thursday 23rd May  The Ploughboy Inn, Saltash PL12 4HG with Wreckers Morris and Mayflower Step

Thursday 30th May  The Ferry House Inn, Saltash Passage PL5 1LA with Catseye Morris

Thursday 6th June  The Who'd Have Thought It Inn, St Dominick PL12 6TG (at 7.30pm) and The Weary Friar, Pillaton PL12 6QS (at 8.45 pm) with Trigg Morris


Saturday 8th June  Emmanuel Fayre, Emmanuel Church, Plymouth PL3 5BZ - time tba

Sunday 16th June Plympton St Maurice Hidden Gardens - time & location tba

Saturday 22nd June  Teignmouth Folk Festival - time & location tba

Wednesday 26th June  The Burrator Inn, Dousland, Yelverton PL20 6NP with Dartmoor Border Morris

Saturday 29th June Calstock Heritage Weekend - time & location tba


Saturday 6th July  Ilfracombe All Things Morris - time & location tba

Thursday 11th July  The Crooked Spire Ermington PL21 9LP with Green Willow Clog

Wednesday 24th July  The Kings Arms, Oreston PL9 7NE with Plymouth Morris

Thursday 1st August  The Copley Arms, Hessenford PL11 3HJ with Mayflower Step
and Clogworks


 
Thursday 22nd August  Union Inn, Saltash PL12 4EL with Plymouth Morris

Thursday 29th August  Drake Manor Inn, Buckland Monachorum PL20 7NA with
Lodestone Morris

Saturday 16th November  Pudsey Day of Morris - tbc





 


 

Home: Video Player

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

Home: FAQ

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

 YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Home: News and Updates

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.

THREE SPIRES MORRIS 2008

LITTLEBOROUGH RUSHBEARING 2011

RINGHEYE'S DAY OF DANCE 2010

CARDIFF MORRIS 2015

NEW ZEALAND MORRIS DANCING TOUR 2014 WORKSHOP

Home: News and Updates

LINKS TO RELATED WEBSITES

Link to website

FOLK ON THE MOOR

The local folk club

FOLK IN CORNWALL

Folk resources in Cornwall

OPEN MORRIS

National morris organisation

Home: In the Press

DEVON FOLK

Folk resources in Devon

CHARITY

LINKS TO OTHER LOCAL DANCE SIDES

COGS AND WHEELS

DARTMOOR BORDER

PLYMOUTH MORRIS 

TRIGG MORRIS

TYWARDREATH MORRIS

Home: In the Press
DSCF4385.JPG
6c7483_698c4be2d9fd4a0094f6400c42d06a75~mv2.jpg
6c7483_4b599131867f4d379395629c2021b7f1~mv2_d_1860_1458_s_2.jpg
6c7483_076818395e0142dfa2d6daa96de908cc~mv2_d_1698_2963_s_2.jpg
IMG_3672.JPG
6c7483_95b0a145ab6b44c98a97289ff2c691ed~mv2.jpg
IMG_3666.JPG
DSCF5356.JPG
6c7483_7b8d92f16fe44e0db28c70ad9f563db5~mv2.jpg

CONTACT US

If you would like to join us or are interested in finding out more or booking us for an event, contact us via the following -

plymouthclog@outlook.com, on Facebook & Instagram @plymouthclog

6c7483_f43dd71b6e9d415d9459e10f022b84bc~mv2_d_1728_3072_s_2.jpg
Home: Gallery
bottom of page