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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 happy band of musicians would welcome new members who are also welcome to find out more.
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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.
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.
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PROGRAMME 2023
This year we intend to perform (8pm unless otherwise stated) at the following:
Saturday 13th May Callington Mayfest - From 11.45 onwards (From 1pm at the Cornish Ancestor, Church Street, Callington PL17 7AS)
Thursday 25th May Plymouth Hoe (east seafront)
Saturday 10th June Emmanuel Fayre, Emmanuel Church, Plymouth PL3 5BZ (time TBA)
Thursday 15th June Plymouth Aquarium PL4 0LF
Sunday 18th June Hidden Gardens Festival, Plympton St Maurice (2pm)
Thursday 6th July Mayflower Steps/Landing Stage, Barbican, Plymouth
Thursday 13th July Avon Inn, Avonwick TQ10 9NB with Green Willow
Thursday 20th July Drakes Manor, Buckland Monachrum PL20 7NA with Lodestone Morris
Thursday 17th August The Ferry House Inn, Plymouth PL5 1LA
Thursday 24th August The Rock Inn, Yelverton PL20 6DS with Dartmoor Border Morris
Wednesday 6th September Theatre Royal, Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 2TR and Noahs Ark, Courtenay Street, Plymouth PL1 1EP with Plymouth Morris
Saturday 16th September Wreckers Day of Dance, Cross Keys, Cawsand, Cornwall PL10 1PF with Wreckers Border Morris and others
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.
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 -
