Q: Is Morris Dance really English?

A: Morris Dancing as we know it today can safely be said to be as English as tea and crumpets.  The widely held belief is that the dance originated from North Africa and was introduced to Europe via Spain during the 15-16th centuries by the Moors.  Many of these people converted to Christianity during this period and were called 'Mourrisco' by their fellow countrymen.  The term for their lively dance style was taken as far north as Paris where the style was described as 'mourris (Moorish) dance'.  It does not take much imagination to see how the dance was brought home to the then major port of Bristol by sailors and gained popularity in the surrounding area of the Cotswolds where it is still mainly concentrated.  The name being anglicised as Morris dance.  Probably thanks to their African origin, the dances were carried out by the men of the tribe and this seems to have survived through the ages.

Q: I have been told there are dozens of ways to Morris dance.  Is this true?

A: Morris dances can be performed with sticks, handkerchiefs or bare hands and each is specific to a tune and dance.  What you may have been told is that there are lots of traditional styles each originating from separate areas or villages.  These variations or traditions mean any dancer who is in a large gathering will know exactly what he is going to do when the squire announces..."Constant Billy in the Bledington tradition."

The dance will be performed, using long sticks, to the tune and steps of that region.  This means in theory, no-one should be doing any extra steps or movements or be carrying their handkerchiefs.  There are around 20 major traditions practiced today and around 200 popular dances so you can see the possibility of 4000 or so entirely different performances being possible.  This does not include many more modern dance steps and/or tunes being introduced by individual sides.

Q: I have met some Morris men who become very aggressive when asked why women don't partake in the proceedings.  Why is this?

A: You have probably had the unfortunate experience of meeting a 'dyed in the wool' traditionalist who wishes to keep as close as possible to the original style.  Having explained the roots of the dance in an earlier answer, I can only say that at the time (15th century) dancing was vastly different from today when the dancers look like something out of an adult education book.  Many middle European dances at this time were known as 'peacock' dances where the menfolk would effectively 'strut their stuff' to impress the ladies at the courts of the wealthy, to the sound of the recent pop tune of the time.  I remember seeing a diary entry in a library from around my great grandmother's time.  The writer was commenting on her reaction after she had seen the waltz performed for the first time and people were 'holding each other'...   Shock indeed, at the time!

Many groups are more relaxed about including women in their sides and women musicians almost equal the number of men.  In fact there are quite a lot of female Morris sides appearing alongside the traditional male sides at public gatherings and entertaining the crowds equally as well.

Q: I have seen a group of dancers with blackened faces, is this a style of Morris dance?

A: It is a style called Border Morris and it is believed it evolved from the Welsh border raiders who used burnt cork to cover their faces when on raids into English territory.  The dance styles are very similar in that they use sticks and handkerchiefs although the tunes and steps can be fairly complicated.  Border Morris has probably been most responsible for the explosion of new steps and tunes that have appeared over the past 50 years.  The style of the groups I know can be described as "bold and lively" which basically means, you spend twice as much time checking to see that your wife/daughter/girlfriend has not been abducted by these likeable scoundrels and is being subject to what seems a bottomless pit of bawdy 'love songs' at the nearest bar.  The best way to get to know the guys is buy them all a drink.  Well it worked for me.

Q: I had to end my employment at the age of 43, and have thought about Morris dancing as a pastime.  Am I too old and how fit would I need to be?

A: Well, at 14 years my junior, you are probably fit enough for anything your local side may throw at you.  I am trying to re-form my side at the age of 57.  Many of the dances last around 2-3 minutes and you will probably perform 6-7 in a session.  If you can walk at a brisk pace for about 15-20 minutes without becoming short of breath, you should last the course.  If you have any heart condition, I would suggest you consult your doctor.  Have you thought of learning to play the fiddle or melodeon and getting the fresh air and enjoyment for less effort?   Remember though, the musicians are an important part of the side.  They often have to do a session to entertain the crowds whilst the dancers are off having a drink or lunch.

Q: This is the first time I've seen a Morris group performing, are they very rare?  

A: The answer to this is unfortunately, yes, especially in the North of England.  We have spoken to many people who have shown an interest and have even turned up for one or two months at practice sessions.  The crunch comes when they are due to appear in public for the first time and self confidence runs out of the door.  Some of the excuses we've had include...

Everybody will be looking at me!   Obviously, you're there to entertain them.  Honestly, they look at the side as a whole, not individuals.  If you make a mistake, the Fool will step in and make it look like part of the act.

The outfits are a bit strange, people will laugh at me.  I remember the first time the members of my family saw me at my first performance.  I got a few sniggers but after asking the persons to come on and join in, I was laughing at their reluctance.  Its only friends and family to whom you seem strange.  To the public its part of the traditional dress code.

Q: Do I need to spend a lot of time practicing?

A: Generally most sides withdraw from public performances around October and don't re-appear until the following March or even as late as Mayday.  This time is spent in the comfort of a local hall or institution  practicing and training up new members and musicians.  It should be possible for anyone to pick up the steps to 3-4 simple dances in that time.  The major dedication comes throughout the summer months when full  weekends are booked at either local events or other venues up and down the country. This is when you need a full complement of bodies and it only lets others down if you aren't prepared to turn out.  Often the nights used for practice sessions are taken outdoors and several pubs and country hotels can be approached and asked if they would mind some traditional entertainment.  It is surprising how many managers will welcome you if you ask in advance.  Remember, they do have other commitments and up here in the northeast, its a hanging offence if you interrupt the weekly Quiz Night.

Q: Your outfits look really professional, but is it an expensive hobby?

A:  Thank you for the compliment, but it depends what you call expensive.  In our group, you are responsible for supplying your own outfit, which will mean a pair of sturdy brogue type shoes, white knee socks, black breeches (usually a pair of trousers that are a little out of date and you don't mind cutting the legs shorter), a plain black waistcoat (local charity shops) and a top hat.  Along with a plain white shirt and a long scarf or cravat (plain, but any colour), that will be your initial expense.  Generally, when we travel, we car-share and divide the petrol costs between the passengers.  As overnight accomodations are often arranged by the host side, all you will need is money for food and drink.

Q: Do you take junior members with you on your trips?

A:  There are a lot of regulations to consider when under 16's are taken on trips.  To make life simple for the team members we follow these guidelines:-

1 - Trips out of the county region lasting more than 24 hours and during school term time:  No minors will be attending.

2 - Trips out of the county region lasting more than 24 hours and during school holiday periods:  Minors must be accompanied by a parent who will accept liability for the safety and behaviour of the child.

3 - Locally hosted weekend events lasting more than 24 hours:  Parents will be responsible for the dropping off and collection of their child for each day.

4 - Evening performances starting later than 19:00 or expected to run beyond 21:00 will not include junior members.

Obviously, for members who have their own children in the side, guidelines 2 and 3 will not be too hard to follow.