I'm back home! My competition report!

So hello I'm back from my holiday up north. I didn't just go to the clog competiton. I made it into a weeks holiday. It was a bit of a rush on the Sunday morning to get there (I'm sure every slow tractor trailer and caravan purposely got in the way). Got to the queen's hall at 10am. I was all in a fluster.

Found my way to the theatre. When I entered the room was relieved it hadn't started yet. Phew! The ladies at the desk were all very friendly...and informed me I was only one in my catagory. I was properly nervous. Spotted Brenda across the room who is as lovely in person as in the virtual world. Everyone was welcoming. Although they all asked 'Why did you come all the way from Essex?' lol!
Had to sort out with musician the speed I was gonna dance. Well, my double shuffle speed is much slower than my other steps so that was a bit tricky.
I enjoyed seeing all the other competitors dancing (so much better then me and many years younger. lol!) They were really impressive. Before I knew it suddenly it was my turn. Eeeep! On the stage the lights seemed so bright and the music sounded different and....well I started ok, but then on the 3rd step I made a mistake I shuffed infrot not behind and that one little thing threw me. I lost count. My mind went blank what was the next step??? I could see the judges scribbling notes and that sound seemed so loud. I tried to improvise just let my feet do the talking hoping they would remember the routine. It seemed like forever - I'm sure the tune should of ended by now- I glanced across at the musician he wasn't looking my way, no clue there. Should I just go into double shuffle? But how do I get into it I'm on wrong foot. Argh! I came to a halt. Sooooooo embaressing.
But I still got an applause. I think I must have gone bright red.

Sat and watched the pedastool competition. It was about the same size as my board I practice on.
I got given a medal for taking part (I didn't expect to get one after my epic fail) which I was greatful for. Also got given the cards with my marks on and some comments.

I'm not sure I'm cut out for competitions. ;) Or maybe I just need more practice....

After the morning competiton watch some of the rapper dancers. They were amazing. But after that I was soooo hungry I had to go get something to eat. I did want to go back in but the food took ages to arrive and then mum wanted to go 'find' hadrians wall before it got dark. I did have a nice day though.

Climbing along wall (well...tower) still in my clog outfit

Trying to remember a routine...

So I tried writing up little 'prompt' to help me not go blank every time I move from one step to another. lol!

Practicing the routine - 3 weeks to go!!!

So finally decided on order of steps for my routine. It was last 2 steps before the double shuffle I couldn't decide the order on.

But I think this order works best as it helps re balance me before *dramatic music* the double shuffle.
I've tried different order before
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aCtIbc9REY

But it just didn't work for me. My brain wants me to do it in order I learned the steps. lol!

Routine:
1 - 1st Schottiche
2 - 1st Schottiche Progression
3 - 2nd Scottiche
4 - 2nd Scottiche Progression
5 - Double & Single Heels
6 - 3rd Scottiche
Double Shuffle

I'm going to start slower too or else I'll speed up too much by the end and double shuffle will be epic fail.
I keep telling myself the double shuffle is just counting to 8 three times then a break on each foot. So I'll probably be muttering under my breath on the day. Saying steps as I do them is something I've taken from lindy hop classes. It does help. The problem is to say it in my head rather than out loud when there's an audience. lol!

Long time no see....I'm back

Yes I know I've been remiss in my posting. But the next few weeks I will be practicing intensely. trying to master or at least get a vague grip on the double shuffle and memorizing a routine.

Although doing the lindy hop I'm getting better at remembering steps in a short amount of time.
I did a run through sans clogs the other day while waiting for the bus - I know got some odd looks - but I remembered most of it. I think my shuffles are stronger than ever.

And all that bouncing in lindy hop has helped get a soft bounce rather than the usual elephant falling to earth 'hops'. lol! I also don't step on my own toes so much. But I do have to really resist the urge to throw my arms around now.

As I'm going to enter the novice section....

Tapping in clogs

Hi there readers....sorry I haven't posted in ages. Wanted to tell you about a little workshop I did the other day. 'Tap Shim Sham' nope I haven't abandoned clog...just wanted to try something a bit different. I did however wear my clogs to do the workshop. Made the 'pick ups' a bit tricky but was definately possible.
Usually at swing events you get the 'soft shoe' shim sham. (see video)

But the original was a tap one so I thought sounds fun I'll give it a go. The teacher was great, giving you lots of options depending on what level of difficulty you wanted to go up to.
 It was faster than I expected but I managed to keep up. Woke up this morning and can still remember the steps which is usually a good thing.

Here is my very quick rough recording of me doing the steps.

December Update

Ok I know I've been a little quiet lately. I sorta plataued for a while and thought it would be a little dull just to post same thing over and over. Anyways I've been working on Irish rover (with variation) after Brenda's suggestion I try it.
Firstly, eep! Its in the intermediate section. But need'n't have worried, picked it up fairly quick. But I still need the book in front of me at the moment. So need to practice more and get my speed up so I can add music. Haven't tried turning on the spot with it yet. Which bit of the step to you turn on and which direction?

In the absence of an update....

Haven't had chance to record any updates lately...just too much going on, but in its place thought I'd share another video featuring a clog dance.

Starts at 2.29

On a side note the lady in the video was thinking potential clog outfit?

Funny, the things you notice

I like watching clips from old hollywood musicals. And in my ramble through youtube stumbled upon this little routine.

Check out 1.30 -1.42 and 2.28 - 2.40

Doesn't it look a bit like

from about 3.14 ;)

What do you think?

Clog and making noise

So my practice is a little intermittent at the moment. Mainly because I either have to lug the board downstairs or wait till mum isn't in because:
Well...this video (from about 2.50 onwards) illustrates my problem.

Apparently I give her headache/make the ceiling shake. I don't see how. I'm trying to be less elephant like. lol! Concentrating on the steps that don't involve hops or springs has been my compromise. 

Any tips for being lighter on my feet and not so loud?

A quick update for October

Yes folks, I'm still here. Been trying to work out a 'routine' I can remember. lol! So far this is as far as I've got 6 steps. Still not there with the double shuffle. So I've not tried to add it in yet.

And no music this time. I need to re-record a hornpipe enough times through at the right speed.
I had to record this all in one go as I had limited time, hence the little edit at the end. If I'd have had more time I would have re-recorded right from the beginning.

Swiveling ankles and heels

Well I'm running out of imaginative titles. lol! But in lindy hop I did some swivels (mutters to self...prepare, twist twist) anyway it made me think of the double and single heels and how I hadn't practiced them in a while. So here is the video.

You may notice I was trying to be clever with the editing....first zoomed out...then close up of feet.

Hopefully I'll get another video done in the next few days.

Dancing Dolls at traditional music day

I know you might be thinking....what's that title to do with learning clog dancing. Well its to do with music and dance and I think quite relevent. I have recently purchased a 'jig doll'.

'She' is a 1920's 'flapper' called millie. 

I took her on an outing to EATMT Traditional Music Day. She got a lot of attention.

I even managed to get a video...or two. I'm not in either of them as I was filming...but she's a freindly jig doll who'll dance for anyone.

She misbehaved a little and took a stage dive. lol!

 

Hope you've enjoyed my little wander off on a tangent.

Yes, I am still practicing!

I know I've been rather quiet with the blog. But I have still been practicing. Even if its just 'shuffling' in a spare moment waiting for a train etc.
Still trying to do a 'routine' without a mistake so I can put a video up. Maybe I'm being a bit too picky and need to accept the errors?
I brought the board downstairs and did some practice while I watched TV...before you say 'waste of electricity' I was fitting it in in the ad breaks.
Multitasking. Well if I can sew and watch tv I can dance and watch tv.

I read somewhere it takes 10,000 hours practice to be a musician. How many hours practice does it take to be a dancer?

Top 5 - Clog Video Countdown 2012

Since I started to get interested in clog dance I've taken an interest in the videos clogfest put up every year. (*sighs* One day I'll get to go). They are always inspiring and its nice to see all the different dancers.

So here are my top 5 from Clogfest 2012...in reverse order...

Cue music...

Number 5

Number 4

Number 3

Number 2

Number 1

So what are your faves?

I'm sure I'll be watching all the videos like a million times as I wait for next year....

July Update - Part 2

So here are a few videos of my latest attempts. I did try to do more but the light got too bad for the camera before I could finish.

Second Schottiche (Progression)

First Schottiche (Progression)

First Schottiche

I did try to do several steps ina row, but kept mession it up as soon as I pressed record.

July 2012 Update - finding the right music for dancing

So I had a mega practice session yesterday. Working my way through all the beginner steps. Realized I should record myself a slightly faster soundtrack. (see link below)




I also noticed a trend. Its the steps with lots of sequential shuffles that I struggle with....I keep going out of time when I do them.

I also had a go at recording a waltz for practicing the waltz time clog steps from the workshop I went to.



I'm finding it hard to find a waltz I can play that 'fits' the steps. Any suggestions? What elements in a tune should I be looking for?

Oh, here is a tune I've taken a liking too wonder if I can dance to it?

First Anniversary - a very special 'learning to clog blog' post

Hello, readers new and old!

This is my special surprise to celebrate the first anniversary of my beginning to learn clog dance and blog about it. I simultaneous guest post on my own blog and Susi's 'diddly diddly' blog. First off thanks to Susi for letting me guest post.

The subject up for discussion is Music & Dance....

A broad subject you might say but one which I could wax lyrical about for hours so I will try to keep it concise.

My foray into dance started with a dalliance with playing music which in turn came from listening to music. I wouldn't say I was a dance musician...I wouldn't say I was a good musician, but I enjoy it, which for me is the point. Till I found the concertina and melodeon I never thought I would ever be able to play music (except by putting on a CD of course). But in the squeezebox I've found an instrument that suits *me* and the way I want to play.

Something I found with the box was a sense of rhythm and steady pace. I'm of the opinion I'd rather play a tune well and slowly than fast and badly. And a fast tune is not necessarily more interesting than a slow one. Dance music should make you want to at the least tap your foot...and you can't tap your foot if the music is so fast your foot would wear down to a stump if you tried to keep up. I dislike it when you can't hear the melody breathe.

Dance

Since I've started dancing I've found its rather addictive...and one you try one style of dance it can lead on to other types. You also start seeing dance steps you recognize with different names in different dances.

e.g. Susie Q, reminds me of single and double heels

My first exposure to clog dance proper (not clog morris) would be Cheltenham Folk Festival in 2010. When I saw Hannah James & Sam Sweeney perform. I thought the clog dance looked and sounded impressive.

I can't find footage of that day but here's an example

Then at Oxford Folk Festival 2010 I saw the Demon Barber Roadshow....with an impressive array of dancing which showed me it could be 'contemporary' and not just 'traditional'.

Then that same year I went to the Stepdance Day at Worlingworth Swan and had a go at the 'workshop'. I thought...'hmmmm...this could be for me, but I'd like something more structured' - I've never been good at improvisation.

That was where seeing 'Come Clog Dancing' gave me the final push. I wanted to do clog. It just looked...cool and its a dance I could do solo, didn't have the embarrassment of not having a partner to dance with....and I wouldn't need a great big dance floor, plus it would be something I could do purely for exercise rather than having to dance in a social situation.

First things first. I needed the right equipment. A Board and clogs.  As I wasn't familiar with the clog world I decided to choose Trefor Owen who had featured in the program. And I definitely made the right choice. I love my clogs. So comfortable. Its so nice to have a type of shoe that doesn't rub my ankles or my feet and make them bleed and blister.

Then I looked for tuition. Now where I live is a very long way from the north and not exactly a hub of clog dancing. Nearest place offering regular lessons was Camden, London. Next stop I searched youtube...nothing there. Then I remembered that someone on a forum had mentioned a DVD...which is how I came across Brenda Walker's set of books and DVD's which I've since used for the majority of my learning. With the addition of workshops and an occasional one off lesson from a local dancer.

Its been a year now since I started and am looking forward to another year of dancing.

Want to read more about my experiences learning to dance clog?

Join/Follow me at the learning to clog blog!

Just pick yourself up....

And in a change to your usual programming.....

I was watching another Fred & Ginger movie...and this song I think summed up my approach to dance. lol!

"Just pick yourself up....dust yourself off...and start all over again...."

(He) Please teacher, teach me something, Nice teacher, teach me something. I'm as awkward as a camel, that's not the worst, My two feet haven't met yet, But I'll be teacher's pet yet, 'Cause I'm gonna learn to dance or burst. (She) Nothing's impossible I have found, For when my chin is on the ground, I pick myself up, Dust myself off, Start All over again. Don't lose your confidence if you slip, Be grateful for a pleasant trip, And pick yourself up, Dust yourself off, Start all over again. Work like a soul inspired, Till the battle of the day is won. You may be sick and tired, But you'll be a man, my son! Will you remember the famous men, Who had to fall to rise again? So take a deep breath, Pick yourself up, Dust yourself off, Start all over again. (He) I'll get some self assurance If your endurance is great. I'll learn by easy stages If you're courageous and wait. To feel the strength I want to, I must hang on to your hand, Maybe by the time I'm fifty I'll get up and do a nifty. (Both) Nothing's impossible I have found, For when my chin is on the ground, I pick myself up, Dust myself off, Start all over again. Don't lose your confidence if you slip, Be grateful for a pleasant trip, And pick yourself up, Dust yourself off, Start all over again. Work like a soul inspired, Till the battle of the day is won. You may be sick and tired, But you'll be a man, my son! Will you remember the famous men, Who had to fall to rise again? So take a deep breath, Pick yourself up, Dust yourself off, Start all over again.

followed by this fab sequence



I will now return to my normal posts ;)

May 2012 - Update

I know I've been a little remiss with my posting over the year so far. But I don't want to be boreing you with repetitive posts. Hence why I try to focus on trying to get one post done a month with a little summary of what I've been up to. 

Lets start with music...as since the workshop I've been trying my hand at waltz clog dance I've been trying to find a waltz I can play competantly (ideally in key of G) that 'fits' and isn't boring. This is proving to be quite tricky.

In other news next month will be the first anniversary of my starting to learn clog. So I shall have to think up something clever to post to commemorate the event.

Today I decided to do a few videos. 

Firstly went over some of the steps I struggled with when I started...

First Schottiche Progression

Second Schottiche Progression

I also had a go at a step I've not tried until now. Umpas.

That will leave just the twizzles I haven't had a go at in the beginner section yet.

Skirt to clog dance in...

 I was making a dress originally, but I found imperfections in the fabric I had cut the skirt from...so instead of throwing it way I worked with what I had. Put a pocket in to cover up the inperfections.

 And then embroidered the pocket with a 'clog' motif.

Now worn with an underskirt makes a perfect dancing skirt. It has swirly properties without being too sticky-out-y.