History Of Appalachian-Style Square Dancing
Appalachian-style square dancing with a clogging step originated in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States, as an ongoing cultural tradition brought from England. The earliest settlers from England brought with them parts of songs, dances and stories from their Mother country, and these were formed into a new tradition in the hills and valleys of this region, which includes our own state of Tennessee. Our county seat, Murfreesboro, is in the exact geographical center of the state of Tennessee.
The people lived far apart in small cabins, and got together very infrequently. When they did, they enjoyed singing songs, playing games, and dancing together. They clapped their hands to make the rhythms, or perhaps had a musician or two who could provide some accompanying music. They moved onto the hard-packed earthen floor, or the homemade wooden floor, and their feet made an unusual slapping sound as they danced. Sometimes, they wore metal tips on their shoes. Whether they were barefoot or wore hard shoes, this sound came to be called “clogging”.
The people moved as a caller called the sets. They danced in a big circle for “as many as will”, and usually with a partner. Often they turned loose of the partner and did what we call a “buck dance”, which means moving in any way they wish, to the rhythms provided. They might dance all night, or for several days as they rejoiced at the chance to join together and have fun. Rutherford County’s Cripple Creek Cloggers preserve this tradition today in dance, costuming, and spirit.
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