How about something new this morning? Most Americans will probably never have heard of traditional English morris dancing. It involves men and women dancing in traditional costume, with bells around their ankles, waving handkerchiefs and/or sticks. It goes way back into pre-medieval times. (Traditionally, only men danced morris; women performed other folk dances. Nowadays, both men and women are found in morris troupes.)
Here are three examples. First, the classic dance 'Princess Royal', performed by the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers.
Next, a modern rendition of the ancient Beltane Fire Dance, performed by the Beltane Border Morris Dancers.
And finally, the group behind the 'Morris On' series of albums from the 1970's and 1980's, performing live at the annual Cropredy music festival, organized by Fairport Convention. This recording dates from 2004.
Fun stuff, particularly if you're into traditional dancing.
Now, if we can just persuade Lawdog and Old NFO to put bells around their ankles, and caper around the garden (in Texas, in 100°+ high summer heat) with handkerchiefs in one hand and sticks in the other . . . and if we can arrange to record it for posterity (and this blog, of course) . . .
Peter
I could not help thinking this must be something from a "Monty Python" episode. :-)
ReplyDeleteIsn't one of the key components of the Morris the copious use of a performance altering substance made from hops and malted barley? Perhaps that would help the process along. You'd have to break tradition to the extent of providing cold beer, though.
ReplyDeleteI saw the Beltane dancers at a festival earlier this year, and they were really intense. Lots of Morris dancing is viewed in the UK as a bit genteel, but this lot really kicked ass.
ReplyDeleteRob in UK.
Pwl47 this is probably what you were thinking of:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfNDkUIIPck
(Lawdog + Ole NFO) + > (Performance enhancing liquids) + Morris dancing costumes =
ReplyDeletesomething worthy of recording for future blackmail.
Ummm... No... :-) 'I' will do the filming, but this old man can't dance... :-)
ReplyDeleteGoogle the Royal Liberty Morris men - morris dancing done by bikers!
ReplyDeleteLOL, I would fork over a few coins to see the video of Lawdog & Old NFO dancing with bells and hankies....
ReplyDeleteFor a more upbeat one, try this :
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53LZI6UBvTs
Beltane Border Morris again. I can see Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax having a really good knees up to that one! >};o)
However, Gentlemen, I must warn you that if you DO join a Morris Dancing Troupe or express an interest in it in the UK (and I would expect, anywhere else, for that matter) you will have fund the Kryptonite that repels women.
You have been warned!
Phil B
Hey Peter;
ReplyDeleteTo see Old NFO and Lawdog do something like that would be worthy of song and merriment.
I think they showed the stick dancing in this 80's video
https://youtu.be/nM4okRvCg2g
Men without hats "Safety Dance"
That's old school. Now there are steampunk morris sides.
ReplyDeleteFunny that you mention this now. I literally spent Sunday morning watching a few friends dance as part of a regional festival (called an "Ale") that takes place in my town every summer. Definitely a unique experience...
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, Political Correctness has caught up with the Morris Dancers.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/25/shrewsbury-folk-festival-bans-blackface-morris-dancers/