The Welsh stepdance is an unbroken tradition that was typically performed by slate quarry workmen and farmers.

These tricks can include, but are not limited to; snuffing out a candle flame using the wooden soles of the shoes, toby stepping (kicking legs out in a squat position similarly to Cossack dancing) and high leaps into the air such as straddle jumping.

Clogging involves producing a variety of stronger or lighter sounds and a mixture of rhythms using both feet, which showcases the stepping dexterity.

Workers would attempt to out-perform each other during work breaks by performing more extravagant and striking "steps" and "tricks" to impress their co-workers.

[3] Typically clog dancers prefer ash wood because it gives a clearer and more crisp sound however, these are also the least hardwearing.

Huw Williams, a recent clog-dancing figure suggests that Welsh clog dancers pass on their skills by observation and emulation.

Competitions since the 1960s have extended to dancing duets and trios which meant that groups could recreate on stage the true tradition where one dancer was trying to out-dance the other.