About the Cloggers
The Erie Canal Cloggers are based in Borodino NY, a hamlet of the beautiful town of Skaneateles. Our group was formed in 1994 by Richard Hawker, Dale Burl, and the late “Phylla Mae” Antos. We teach and perform a lively, foot-stomping, hand clapping variety of numbers danced to traditional, country and even modern pop and rock music.
The primary goal of the Erie Canal Cloggers is to share our joy of clogging with others through teaching and performing throughout the Central New York community. We currently have over 20 active members. We have entertained shows both locally in New York and also as far as Blossburg PA.
Clogging is an American Folk Dance that has its origins in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, performed wearing leather shoes with metal taps on the toe and heel, not wooden clogs as many mistakenly believe. Clogging is a unique dance form that combines elements of Irish, Scottish, German, Dutch, English, Native American and African dances. It was originally done to live music, often bluegrass, in homes, barns, fields and yes, even on canal boats.
Clogging is a family activity and can be enjoyed at any age. Our members range in age from 8 to 75. It is wonderful exercise and just plain fun. Family and Friends are always welcome to stop by our dance studio to watch and enjoy the camaraderie of our members.
About the shoes
Clogging shoes are most commonly made of leather and have 4 metal taps attached to each shoe, with 2 on the toe and 2 on the heel. One tap is fastened securely to the shoe while the other is fastened much looser. The loose tap hits both the floor and the fastened tap when the shoe is moved. Therefore, most of the sound generated by the taps comes from the two pieces of steel striking each other, rather than by the bottom pieces striking the floor.
