Morris Dancing - History



The origins of Morris dancing have been lost in history, but prevalent opinion is that Morris is based pre-Christian fertility or luck bringing ceremonies. Over time, these 'pagan' dances were assimilated by the church (first the Catholic, then the Protestant) and by the1500s Morris was being performed for Easter, May Day and other parish feasts to help rise funds for the local church.

However, even with strong church ties. Morris was still danced during spring fall planting to insure a good crop, or on any important times during the planting cycle. Today, Morris is still performed in England on days such as Plough Monday, Easter, and the start of spring. Some of the dances have not changed in over hundred years and because of this long tradition, Morris dancing is considered a living tradition.

The most common type of Morris performed is known as Cotswold. which is a region located in the western half of England. Cotswold dances typically consist of a series of show (or distinctive) and chorus figures (a figure is a particular maneuver). Show figures are generally very acrobatic and display the strength and still of the side, while chorus figures highlight the precision of the side. An interesting variant of Cotswold dance is the challenge dance. The chorus figure of the challenge dance are the same as other dances, however the distinctive figures are performed by two dancers at the same time, each one challenging the other to deliver the best performance of the figure.

There are several traditions of Cotswold dances, with each tradition named after the town of its origin. Such as Adderbury, Bampton, Ducklington and the oldest continuous tradition Headington. The difference between the traditions usually is in the style of the distinctive figures. Some use handkerchiefs, others clash sticks. Some tradition are precise, Adderbury for example, while traditions such as Border Morris are wild and unruly.

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