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The
main difference between Welsh clogging and other Celtic and American
styles of solo percussive dance, is that Welsh dancers wear wooden
clogs, and not merely hard shoes. The sole and heel of a Welsh clog
are carved from one piece of wood, to form a shaped "platform"
under the whole foot, onto which the leather upper is fixed, giving
it the appearance of a normal shoe. However the sole does not bend,
creating different movements for the feet, and different possibilities
for percussive additions to the music.
Like
American clogging, the Welsh include a variety of energetic "feats"
or "tricks", and each clogger is eager to show off his
own dexterity and inventiveness. Welsh clogging commonly includes
steps such as a Coassack-style kicking squat (called the "Toby"),
or high jumping, jumping over a besom broom, or even trying to snuff
out a lighted candle with his feet during the dance.
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Huw
Williams has been performing Welsh step-dancing since the age of
fifteen. Since then he has become a major force in the field of
folk music and dance and his book on clogging is in its third printing.
He won several titles at the Welsh National Championships and is
in great demand with both radio and television in the U.K. His style
of performance is unique, blending traditional steps with contemporary
ideas, and as one expert said, ...is the best by far of anything
that has ever been seen." 
