Rather like rolling cheeses down hills and burning effigies on November 5th, morris dancing is a quirky characteristic traditionally associated with the English.
Now that my brother has joined the ranks of the Shakespeare Morris Men, I was prompted to watch them perform on two occasions in very different settings on a midsummer's evening. Both performances were fascinating to watch.
Members of the English Folk Dance and Song Society for over 54 years, the Shakespeare Morris Men are proudly attired with the official Coat of Arms of John Shakespeare, William's esteemed father. They dance mainly Cotswolds 'traditionals'.
The Alvechurch Morris Men will soon be celebrating a quarter of a century together. Their entertaining blend of original and traditional dances from places such as Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and the Welsh borders are performed in working men's garb and with blacked faces.
Nobody knows for sure what the exact origins of morris dancing are. However, next time you see a troupe in action, space a thought for the performers and the dedication it takes to keep
this age-old tradition going.
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