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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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