LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Parks & Recreation Division is sponsoring a beginner clogging class, which starts Thursday and is open to new beginners into October.
Clogging is a blend of many different dances, according to instructor Michelle John-Smith. It originated in the Appalachian Mountains, and has roots in various dances, such as the Irish jig, English country dances, German folk dances, Native American and African-American dancing and American square dancing.
The different styles and ideas mixed together became the Appalachian clog dancing. It was originally done as a solo dance, then in a large group called “big circle dancing.” The dancers go through called patterns as they keep up the rhythmic stomping to the beat of the music.
Today, clogging has evolved into many styles with no two people or groups sharing exactly the same style. Traditionally, clogging was done to bluegrass music.
Today”s cloggers dance to just about any type of music including, country, rock, jazz, rap, techno-pop, swing and big band.
John-Smith has been clogging for 36 years and teaching for 34 years. She”s been instructing the Clear Lake Clikkers since their formation in 1986, and the Konocti Klogging Kids since 1987.
The class will meet Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Jr. Horseman”s Building at the Lake County Fairgrounds on Martin Street in Lakeport, and runs through mid-December before breaking for the holidays. Cost is $6 per person, and all ages are welcome.
For more information, call the Public Services Department at 262-1618 or John-Smith at 277-9317.
