Toe Stompin' Steps, Clogging is a Dance for All Ages

Carol Hedlin of New Lenox heads up the non-profit, just for fun, clogging group that attracts young and old. The first question that comes to mind is: What is clogging?

Hedlin, a life-time dance enthusiast, responds quickly. "It resembles tap dance," she said. But truth be told, it's the forerunner to tap dancing. It has its roots in the 18th Century Appalachian Mountains. It has a more down home flavor. There are 15 basic steps and thousands of combinations.  The fast-paced rhythmic sounds stomp out a choreographed move to a wide range of music, including traditional bluegrass, popular steps, contemporary and even street dancing. "It's evolved over the years," she said.

While the term clogging frequently conjures the image of Dutch wooden shoes, that's not at all applicable to American clogging shoes, said Hedlin.  American clogging shoes are crafted similarly to tap shoes, "except that they have two taps nailed together instead of just one." Consequently, the combination creates an extra jingling sound that tap shoes cannot produce"

The local group, Kidz Clog and Clogging Craze, is based in New Lenox. There are categories for beginners and advanced dancers alike. The moves are suitable for ages 6 to 85 and up, she said. The dancers meet each Thursday night at Francis Field, Francis Road between Cedar and Parker Roads. Lessons are $4 each to expenses.

The teams travel during the summer, performing at Daley Plaza in Chicago, Taste of Orland and more. The accompanying video was shot live at the June 22 Old Campground Festival in New Lenox.

Hedlin, together with her two daughters, Chris and Kim, started the local group almost 10 years ago. "Clogging is an upbeat, social form of dance that requires both precision and enthusiasm," she said.

For more information, visit the Kidz Clog and Clogging Craze website.  

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