The Morris is a uniquely English custom. Dating back to 1448, or some suggest even earlier, the Morris is a traditional folk dance. Generally performed by a team of six men it is a finely choreographed dance.
The team is accompanied by musicians and sometimes a fool, for comic relief and to give the dancers a chance to rest. Beating time for the dancers’ intricate steps, the musicians provide a background of traditional song and rhythms for the team.
The dancing is often punctuated through the use of various props. Handkerchiefs, sticks, pipes and swords are often wielded by the dancers. Bells, tied around the shin of the leg, are important part of the team’s uniform. Like the props, swung and clattered to the beat of the music, the bells jingle in time with Morris dance.
Learn More
For more information on Morris dancing:
- The Morris Book, a history of morris dancing by Cecil J. Sharp
- The Morrisdancing Page links to current Morris organizations
- Morris Dancing FAQs, a database of Morris information
- Morris Dancng Wiki, a world-wide directory of Morris teams
- The English Folk Dance and Song Society at Cecil Sharp House, London
