How to do BAM BAMs • Beginner Appalachian Clogging dance tutorial

In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you’ll learn The Bam Bam — an Appalachian clogging step that's a flashy crowd pleaser and ridiculously fun to do...and say. Whether you're brand new to percussive dance or just want a refresher, this step-by-step breakdown will provide you with the components of the Bam Bam and some strategies, tips, and tricks.

The Bam Bam can be difficult to master because of the "drag" -- it can take a lot of practice to master that challenging skill, but it will click in time. And then it becomes pure fun to dance!

Bam Bam:
Shuffle step, drag, step step, drag, step step

A "drag" is when your foot drags/scootches backward against the floor and is accomplished by straightening your bent knee to help propel you slightly backward. It's okay if you don't make a sound right now or if it sounds like a scrape. If you need to modify due to physical limitations or not having tap shoes yet, you can straighten your leg without moving backward.

In regards to technique, you'll want to keep your upper body upright, as though a string connects you to the ceiling when you drag back. Your foot stays in contact with the floor as you drag back/up on it onto the ball of your foot -- this is a difficult concept, as the impulse is to jump in the air to accomplish this. (Tap dancers may have the impulse to do a pullback -- however a drag is a single sound.) Your free leg bends into the 90 degree "marionette"/ready position when you drag on the other foot.

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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only. Please consult a medical professional before beginning any new physical activity. Should you experience any pain, discomfort, dizziness, shortness of breath or any other symptom, discontinue what you are doing and immediately consult a medical professional.

By watching this video, you agree to relieve and indemnify the owner of this video for any injury or damage caused by attempting any movement presented in the video. A video cannot provide you with feedback on proper technique or supervision or verify whether you have properly stretched and warmed up, are dancing in a safe space on a sprung floor, are wearing appropriate clothing, etc. You assume all risks associated with your choices and release this channel and creator from any liability.

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