LOOKING for a new hobby for 2023? Then North West Clog dancing may be for you.

Raddon Hill North West clog dancing team are looking for new members. The group recently moved to a new practice venue in Kingsteignton, after being based in the Exeter area for more than 30 years.

North West clog dancing is a fun way of keeping fit and an opportunity to make new friends and help keep English traditional dance alive. People can come on their own, as no partner is required.

Practices can be done in trainers, so there is no need to rush out and buy a pair of clogs. Each new attendee is entitled to two free practice sessions.

Clog dancing first developed in the growing mill towns of 18th Century North West England, during the industrial revolution. Its origins stem from when clogs were worn by the cotton mill workers, to help keep their feet warm and dry.

The weavers and spinners would copy the sound of the looms by step dancing in their clogs on the flagstone floors of the mills where they worked.

Step clogging eventually developed into a processional form of dance called North West Clog dancing, which was performed out during annual holidays ie, Wake’s week and festivals.

The local brass band would accompany the mill workers, as they processed down the high street, on these festive occasions.

The wooden soles of the clogs, were covered in an iron (like a horse shoe) and the sound of the clogs hitting the hard ground made an impressive sound. Sometimes the metal iron and nails on their clogs would cause sparks to fly, creating a theatrical atmosphere.

The dances were very often called after the village where they were first performed eg, Knutsford in Cheshire. North West is the only Morris style that has been traditionally danced by both men and women.

The dances reflect figures and patterns of the weaving process. Raddon Hill North West clog dancers still dance with wooden vintage bobbins which demonstrate the origins of the North West tradition, as seen in the photograph.

Dances are made up essentially from two simple steps, so easy to learn. The music used for the North West Clog Morris is military in form.

Tunes often used, include well-known marches such as The British Grenadiers, The White Cockade, Lilliburlero and A Hundred Pipers.

Dance sessions will start on Tuesday January and 10 will be held throughout the spring from 8pm to 9.30pm in the Kingsteignton community hall, TQ12 3LP.

All dances are accompanied by live music. New musicians are always welcome to come and join in the sessions.

The members of Raddon Hill North West clog dancing team look forward to meeting you. They would love you to come along and help them keep English traditional dance alive.