Folk Dance European is an umbrella title for dances from across Europe which come from an inherited tradition. They were originally, and at times, still performed at social events.
MORRIS DANCE (information supplied by Kim Woodward)
Border Morris: The simplest form of Morris dancing, made more exciting by shouting, stamping, sticking and kit which moves (eg rag jackets). The Border in quaetion is the English/Welsh border, in partricular Shropshire and Herefordshire. The dances were originally danced in one line of dancers with plenty of sticking and heys (reels). The basic step is a step hop or single step. Heavy shoes/work boots were worn. Dancers would often black their faces with soot as a disguise.
North West: The youngest form of Morris and the most easily traceable. The dancers came about at the same time as the Industrial Revolution and represent the movements of the macines. The short sticks represent the bobbins and shuttles used in the machines. Mainly single steps and rant (polka) steps. Traditionally the dancers attached themselves to the Rush Cart ceremonies and were therefore processional - they keep moving forward. For modern use the dancers have been adapted to stay in one place. Often danced in clogs.
Cotswold Morris: There are those who say that this is the true Morris and includes dances from the villages of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, also Worcestershire. Tidy kit, decorated with ribbons and rosettes. Probably originally danced in work boots but these days an aerobic tarainer is the best footwear. More complicated stepping than in other forms Cotswold Morris uses sticks and hankies. Shakespeare may have danced Cotswold Morris and certainly some of his peers did, in particular Will Kemp.
