Although I've been feeling a little clogged lately, with industrial strength clogger Evie Ladin in the house, everything's going to come out just fine: I am, of course, talking about Southern Appalachian flatfoot clog dancing, and believe you me, this boogie will heal what ails you. Instructor and clog performer extraordinaire Evie Ladin begins the program by stomping out for viewers just what the finished product looks like--kind of an Irish jig-tap-meets-Lord of the Dance affair with an African percussive dance tossed into the mix for a little soul, all set to bluegrass music. Buckdancing, or flatfoot clogging, is performed more on the heel and lower to the ground than traditional tap dancing, which is usually quick and light on the toes (though Ladin performs with standard tap shoes, not the traditional heavy wooden clogs, which makes for a wee bit of confusion). Accompanied by live music from Suzy's Floozies, featuring a delightful ensemble on fiddle, banjo, and guitar, Ladin teaches a group of hopeful cloggers basic dance steps, including the Alamo, the buck step, the glue step (which helps to connect other steps), and the chug, as well as single, double, and triple step footwork, while also explaining the difference between "precision" and "freestyle" approaches. A no-frills introduction to clogging that invites viewers to grab a piece of the floor and get down on the flat foot, this is highly recommended. Aud: P. (N. Plympton)
Buckdancing for Beginners
(2002) 45 min. $29.95. Evie Ladin (dist. by The AV Cafe). PPR. Color cover. Volume 18, Issue 3
Buckdancing for Beginners
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