1st May 2014
As you will have gathered I am interested in all things William Morris, however Morris dancing is something else!
There is evidence to show morris dancing in England from the early 15th century. It was developed by ordinary people and associated with spring festivals, particularly Whitsun. When I happened across these lady morris dancers, I just had to sit and watch.
Although this photo was taken in Yorkshire, this style of “north-west” morris dancing originated in Lancashire and north Cheshire. The close links with the cotton mills are evident from the use of bobbins trimmed with ribbons and bells; the costumes are taken from the design of the smocks worn by the millworkers. The dances typically feature processions, rant stepping, flowery hats, beads, garlands, pom-poms and slings. Some groups wear clogs.
Posted in News by Laura