Dartington Morris facts for kids
Dartington Morris is a lively dance group from Dartington, a village near Totnes in Devon, England. They perform a traditional English folk dance called Morris dancing. The group started in 1968 at Dartington Hall. They are part of the Morris Ring, which is an organization for Morris dance groups.
Dartington Morris is very active, performing throughout the summer. Their dancing season usually begins with a special dance at dawn on May Day. They continue performing until mid-September. You can often see them dancing in the South Hams area of Devon. Their performances bring fun and traditional music to local events. The group was also known for its "Young Morris" side, which helped teach boys aged 8 to 14 about this old tradition.
How Dartington Morris Got Its Name
When the group first started, they practiced at Dartington Hall. They needed a name for their new dance group. Leonard Elmhirst, who helped start the Dartington Hall Trust, told them he used to do Morris dancing. He suggested they call themselves "The Dartington Morris Men."
He also suggested they use the Dartington crest for their costumes. This crest shows a white hart (a type of deer) on a red rose. This symbol was used by Richard II, a king of England, and his half-brother, John Holland. John Holland was given the Dartington area a long time ago.
A Changing Tradition
In 2021, the group decided to make a big change. They used to only have male dancers. Now, they welcome dancers of any gender to join them. Because of this, they officially changed their name from "Dartington Morris Men" to simply "Dartington Morris." This shows how old traditions can adapt and grow!
What They Wear and How They Dance
The dancers' costumes, called "kit," use the colors red, white, and gold. These colors come from the Dartington crest. They also wear black breeches (short trousers) and black shoes. Live musicians play music for the dancers. Sometimes, a special horse character named "Champernowne" and a "Fool" character join the show.
Dartington Morris mainly performs traditional Cotswold Morris dances. These are a well-known style of Morris dancing. They also perform unique dances from a "lost" tradition called Filkins. These dances were carefully put back together by a knowledgeable member named Christopher Farr. On special occasions, six dancers perform a North Skelton Longsword dance. Around Christmas and New Year, they also put on the Dartington Christmas Mummers' Play, which is a traditional folk play.
