ABSTRACT
This chapter considers how complex experiences of time are infused into every aspect of the trainings. From the hard shoes worn in both dances that ensure their percussive tapping out of time, through the teaching methodology that slows timing to reveal pauses between beats, to the dance performances of under five minutes where time appears to expand to include absurdly complex steps, exposed and layered. Tower Ravens Rapper for example, are willing to experiment extensively through being an all-women side bringing new figures and new names for dances/moves arising from their London base. Both rapper and clog dancing make consistent use of high-intensity rhythmic forms to impact on their audiences. Even drinkers who looked embarrassed or irritated when they saw costumed dancers enter the pub and prepare, were won over by the skill and intensity of the dancing and the liveliness of the fiddle playing.
