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

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....

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!

Double shuffle...I may have just got it

I was just trying everything the other day to try and get double shuffle to work.

1 - Danced along to DVD (slow speed) 5 times.
2 - Turned round so I wasn't facing the screen and danced along 3 times.
3 - I also do straight shuffles instead of rounded ones as suggested.

Something dawned on me...if I didn't listen to the melody closely like I usually do I could dance to it much easier...as long as I remembered to do the double shuffle at the right time. It meant I could have brain free to count steps rather than concentrating on the beat. This seemed quite counter intuitive so I put it to the test. Used the 'slow' and 'medium' music on the CD to dance to...and it...worked well it seems to work.

I shall have to try it again and see if it works now I've had time to 'forget' and see if it works without having double shuffled all evening first.

So you know how I said...

So you know how I said I hadn't seen any clog dancing on got to dance...well I was watching 'auditions uncut' and what do a spy but 2 clog dancers.
They got 2 gold stars....which I think means on the shortlist...but can't find them listed on the website as live semi finalist. :(
Edit: Found a video. One of my fave tunes.


I have still been practicing my dancing..it just I don't want to bore you with the same posts over and over. And am saving updates for 'progress' or any particular area of 'difficulty' rather than just posting every day 'still practicing'.

and finally...
I'm also learning swing jive....loving the charleston and lindy hop elements of it. If it hadn't been for clog dancing I don't think I'd of had the confidence or fitness to try any other kind of dance.

Time for an update (October 2011)

So I have been working on stepping over.

and stepping back.

Also working on double shuffle. I am still struggling to do right amount of steps without the book in front of me.

 This is my attempt of doing six 'steps' all in one go without music or looking at book for reference.

Double, Double toil and trouble...

These are the two steps I'm struggling with....

Double & Single Heels

Start this video from 0.17 I 'cut' the video in the wrong place so you get my mess up at the beginning.

Double Shuffle


I just can't get into the double shuffle after a break....the rhythm just goes potty.


btw. 'Music to Clog to' arrived yesterday. :) Will have to test it out this evening.

Update 16/6/2011

Been doing another exercise suggested by Brenda. Springing & Hopping.
Quite exhausting (I am so unfit) but fun.

And here is basic break again...

and First Scottiche

I have tried the first scottiche (progression) but manage to sit down suddenly every time I do the hop shuffle. lol!

Technical note: I used an external mic placed close to the board for the sound.
Now for some reason I have the Okycokie stuck in my head???

Left, shuffle right, hop....erm....what was that again?

Why is it whenever I hear music I suddenly forget which is right and which is left?
The Book/DVD arrived yesterday...had a quick speed read of the book, watched all the DVD.
Then tried to go slowly but for some reason hoping in slow motion doesn't work...especially when I haven't got a board only got carpet. Ended up sitting on the floor a few times. lol!
My solution hang on to the radiator to keep upright. ;)
I think I've got the hang of the first scottiche (shouting left, right! to myself)....well except the 'break'....now if only I could do it in time to the music.
I never realised how tiring it would be...maybe I'm just unfit? Actually no maybe about it I am unfit.
I expected it to be more like those dance mat games
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_pad
But its actually not that easy. lol!

Strictly Clog Dancing

So I saw 'Come Clog Dancing' on the BBC and it made me think 'Yeah I want to try that'.

(See link below for clip)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11930057

It was definitely English Step Clog I wanted to do rather than NW morris clog or Appalacian.

First thing I did was order clogs from Trefor Owen.

And several months later they arrived. Aren't they pretty?


My second though was 'Get some lessons or to a workshop' now problem is asking around takes time...and I seem to have missed a lot of stuff earlier in the year. So gotta wait and wait and wait around for workshops.
So decided to be pro-ctive. Couldn't find any youtube tutorials but found a DVD/book for beginners.
So have decided to get it, that way I can work at my own pace and might have a chance of picking it up in a group or workshop situation.

More updates soon.