Morris Dance facts for kids
The Morris Dance is a traditional English folk dance. It's usually performed by groups of dancers, often with bells on their legs and holding sticks or handkerchiefs. This lively dance is a fun part of English culture and is celebrated in many towns and villages.
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What is Morris Dance?
Morris dancing is a type of folk dance that comes from England. It's known for its energetic movements and colourful costumes. Dancers often wear special outfits, sometimes with ribbons, flowers, or bells. The dances are usually done outdoors, often during spring and summer festivals.
The Dancers and Their Moves
A group of Morris dancers is called a "side." Each side has a leader, often called a "Squire," and musicians who play instruments like accordions, fiddles, or drums. The dancers perform different steps and patterns. They might wave handkerchiefs, clash sticks together, or tap them on the ground. The bells on their legs jingle as they move, adding to the lively sound.
Why Do People Dance Morris?
Morris dancing is a way to celebrate traditions and bring communities together. It's often performed at special times of the year, like May Day or village fairs. For many, it's a fun hobby and a way to keep old customs alive. It's also a great way to get exercise and meet new people!
A Look Back in Time
The history of Morris dancing goes back a long way. People have been dancing forms of Morris for hundreds of years. The first written records of Morris dancing in England are from the 15th century. It was often performed during holidays and celebrations.
How Morris Dance Changed
Over time, Morris dancing changed and developed in different parts of England. Each area created its own unique style. Some styles are very energetic, while others are more graceful. In the past, the dance was mostly performed by men. Today, many Morris sides include both men and women.
Different Kinds of Morris Dance
There are several main styles of Morris dancing, each with its own look and feel.
Cotswold Morris
This is one of the most well-known styles. It comes from the Cotswold hills in central England. Dancers often wear white shirts, trousers, and colourful sashes. They use sticks or handkerchiefs and have bells on their shins. The dances are usually lively and bouncy.
Border Morris
This style comes from the borders between England and Wales. Dancers often wear ragged coats and sometimes paint their faces. They use sticks and perform more dramatic, stomping movements. It can look a bit wilder than Cotswold Morris.
North West Morris
This style comes from the industrial towns of North West England. Dancers often wear clogs (wooden-soled shoes) and carry garlands or decorated sticks. Their dances are often more processional, meaning they move in lines or patterns. They sometimes have a "Ragman" who wears a coat covered in colourful rags.
What Dancers Wear
Morris dancers wear special costumes that are part of their tradition.
Traditional Outfits
Most Morris dancers wear white shirts and trousers. They often add colourful sashes, ribbons, or rosettes. Bells are a very important part of the costume, worn around the shins. Some dancers wear hats decorated with flowers or feathers.
Unique Styles
Each Morris side often has its own unique colours or symbols. This helps them stand out and shows where they come from. For example, a side might have a special colour of ribbon or a unique design on their sashes.
Images for kids
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Illustration of William Kempe Morris dancing from London to Norwich in 1600.
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Morris dancers and a hobby horse: detail of Thames at Richmond, with the Old Royal Palace, c. 1620.
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Morris dancers in North Yorkshire.
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Cardiff Morris in Carmarthen finish a Nantgarw stick dance.
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Cotswold-style Morris dancing in the grounds of Wells Cathedral, Wells, England – Exeter Morris Men.
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Horwich Prize Medal Morris Men, a North West Morris side based near Bolton.
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North West Carnival Morris troupe dancing in Skipton, Yorkshire in 1987.
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A Morris dancer with coloured disguise, often used by dancers from the borders of Wales and England.
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Plough Monday dance by the Royal Liberty Morris.
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Dancing to accordion music, York (June 2018).
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Pete the Royal Liberty Morris fool.
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Victory Morrismen from Portsmouth dancing in Hampshire.
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See also
In Spanish: Danza Morris para niños
