This form of Clogging has been a part of Appalachian Mountain traditions for centuries. It resembles the Irish toe dancing seen in "Riverdance", but the form is much less rigid. It may include formations from Square-Dancing and competitive style is generally much more mobile than Pitter Pat Clogging, which tends to be more static, resembling country line dances. The main step in Mountain Style is called a "shuffle", and most steps begin with this step. The second most important step is a "buck". These two are the foundation for almost all steps in Traditional Clogging. Footwear can be anything from Tap shoes to specially designed Clogging shoes with two to three taps attached to the toe and heel. Hard sole shoes without taps have also been worn by those not interested in competition. Clothing can range from whatever you've got on to traditional crinolines and dresses. The most fitting music for Mountain Clogging is bluegrass, old mountain music, or country, but dancers are free to choose their own.
Pitter Pat:
This form is the most popular now. It can also be called "Jazz" style or "Tap" style Clogging. It involves more modern dance steps and arm and hand movements and the steps are generally executed more quickly than traditional style. This style includes some tap steps as well as new Clogging steps. The buck is much more complicated than the Mountain style, and the Mountain style buck, when used, is called a "basic". Precision teams traditionally choose a line dance style format for competitions, which means that dancers generally stay in the same position with little variation of stage location. Footwear is generally specially designed Clogging shoes. (Those not interested in competition have been known to attach the taps to tennis shoes, however.) ;) Clothing may range from whatever you've got on to spandex and leotards. Pitter Pat Clogging fits with any type of music genre from country to R&B, music can be left up the discretion of the dancer.