The Greenwood Step Clog Dancers are based in Nottingham in the UK, and were formed in 1974 by Sue Grimes. We danced for the opening of the Broadmarsh Centre. At that time her husband was our musician. We were formed as an off shoot of NTMC (Nottingham Traditional Music Club 1967 - 1989), and consisted of the wives / morris widows of Dolphin Morris, Sullivans Sword, Old Oss Mummers and a rapper side. EFDSS connected Griff Jones put us in touch with Mandy for the basic Lancashire steps.

We dance step clog, mostly from northern England, Scotland, and Wales, and choreograph all dances to suit our members and create a varied spectacle.

Step-clog dancing involves fast and intricate steps, performed wearing clogs with wooden soles (ideally made of ash wood) and leather uppers. The best surface to dance on is a smooth resonant surface such as slate or hard wood.

Wooden soled shoes were once common in industrial areas, particularly in northern England, south Scotland and south Wales. Step-clog dancing has been performed in these areas since the middle of the 19th century, sometimes in competition, sometimes as Music Hall entertainment.

We dance at dawn every year on the 1st of May, about 5.15a.m., usually at Nottingham Castle.We share this event with the Foresters Morris Men, and all join for breakfast afterwards.

We often dance out with the Foresters Morris Men and Stone Monkey rapper sword, since we have several family members in common.

Some of our members are involved in Freds Folks Ceilidh Band.

Our programme of dancing out for 2016 includes the following. Other bookings will be added as they are confirmed.

Monday 11th January - Harlaxton College - 8pm

Saturday 16th April - Newark Market Place - 11:30am

Saturday 23rd April - York - Joint Morris Organisation day of dance

Sunday 1st May - Robin Hood statue at Nottingham Castle - 5:20am, dawn!

Monday 2nd May - Malt Shovel, Shardlow 12noon.

Monday 9th May – Joe – The Castle Pub, Nottingham (NG1 6AA) - 8pm
The Roundhouse, Nottingham (NG1 6FS) - 9pm

Monday 16th May – Ben – Lincolnshire Poacher, Nottingham - 8pm - 161-163 Mansfield Rd, Nottingham NG1 3FR

Monday 23rd May - Phil - Canal House, Nottingham - 8pm - 48-52 Canal St, Nottingham NG1 7EHl

Monday 6th June – William – Carpenters Arms, Dale Abbey 8pm
Royal Oak, Ockbrook 9pm

Monday 13th June – Joe – The Star Inn, Beeston (NG9 1FX)- 8pm
The Crown Inn, Beeston (NG9 1FY) - 9pm

Monday 20th June - No tour

Monday 4th July – Stewart – The White Lion in Bramcote - 8pm - Town Street,
Bramcote, Nottingham, NG9 3HH

Monday 11th July – Ken – Trip to Jerusalem - 8pm - Brewhouse Yard, Nottingham NG1 6AD

Monday 18th July – Phil – Spanish Bar, Ilkeston - 8pm - 74-76 South St, Ilkeston DE7 5QJ

Monday 25th July –Simon – Plough, Normanton - 8pm - Old Melton Road Normanton-On-The-Wolds, Nottingham NG12 5NN

Saturday 3rd September - Lincoln Festival

Monday 5th September - Harlaxton - 7:45pm

Saturday 10th September - Beeston Heritage Day TBC

Monday 12th September - First practice, 8pm, Queen's Walk

Saturday 15th October - Robin Hood Beer Festival

26th December - Boxing Day dance at Bottesford

We recommend that you check for details with us before attending.

A printable handout is here.

Photos from our 2016 shows so far are now on-line here, as well as links to photos of earlier years. Any additional photos are always welcome, email them to Eric!

New: The music page here has been updated with new tiunes.

In addition there are many videos available on YouTube by searching for "Greenwood Clog".