What is "clog dance"

Clog \Clog\ (kl[o^]g), n. [OE. clogge clog, Scot. clag, n., a clot, v., to to obstruct, cover with mud or anything adhesive; prob. of the same origin as E. clay.]

1. That which hinders or impedes motion; hence, an encumbrance, restraint, or impediment, of any kind.

   All the ancient, honest, juridical principles and institutions of England are so many clogs to check and retard the headlong course of violence and opression.
   --Burke.

2. A weight, as a log or block of wood, attached to a man or an animal to hinder motion.

   As a dog . . . but chance breaks loose, And quits his clog.
   --Hudibras.

   A clog of lead was round my feet.
   --Tennyson.

3. A shoe, or sandal, intended to protect the feet from wet, or to increase the apparent stature, and having, therefore, a very thick sole. Cf. Chopine.

   In France the peasantry goes barefoot; and the middle sort . . . makes use of wooden clogs.
   --Harvey.

   Clog almanac, a primitive kind of almanac or calendar, formerly used in England, made by cutting notches and figures on the four edges of a clog, or square piece of wood, brass, or bone; -- called also a Runic staff, from the Runic characters used in the numerical notation.

   Clog dance, a dance performed by a person wearing clogs, or thick-soled shoes.

   Clog dancer.

n. a dance performed while wearing clogs; has heavy stamping steps [syn: clog dancing, clog]

Clog Dance may refer to:

• Clogging, traditional European folk dance
• Clog Dance (song), first single released by Violinski
• Clog Dance: The Very Best of Violinski, album by Violinski
• The Clog Dance, featured in the ballet La fille mal gardée by Ferdinand Hérold

"Clog Dance" was the first single released by Violinski, and became their only charting single. It was written by band member John Marcangelo, inspired by a shop in his town called Brew's which sold clogs.

Having become a favourite amongst various brass bands, it was used in the 1996 film Brassed Off. It reached number 17 on the UK Singles Chart and also became a big hit in the Netherlands.

"Clog Dance" appeared on various compilation albums, including Friends & Relatives and Clog Dance: The Very Best of Violinski, the latter including an alternative 'rock' version.

The song is used as the theme tune for the Ministox racing formula on many of the UK's short oval car racing circuits, as well as the backing track for several games in the spoof Japanese game show Banzai.