A beginner’s guide to Morris Dancing in Swanage
New to Morris dancing? Start here to discover the traditions, atmosphere and dancers that make Swanage special.
From elegant Cotswold traditions to loud Border Morris, fast Rapper sword dancing and theatrical Molly dancing, there is a huge variety for you to discover across the weekend.
You don’t need to understand the traditions to enjoy them. Part of the fun is simply turning a corner and unexpectedly discovering dancers outside a pub, a lively procession through town, or musicians and performers gathering along the seafront.
Often you hear the bells and music before you see the dancers. Crowds gather outside pubs, children copy the steps and the streets fill with colour and applause as sides move through the town.
The dance displays are completely free to enjoy and take place throughout Swanage during the festival weekend. You may be asked for donations to help us keep these traditions alive and keep Swanage filled with music and dance for future festivals.
What is Morris dancing?
Morris dancing is a traditional folk dance with music, bells, sticks and costumes, performed by groups across England and beyond. Click for more info.
Morris dancing styles.
From Cotswold and Border Morris to Molly, Rapper, Longsword and clog dancing. Click here to discover the many dance traditions seen at Swanage.
What you’ll see during the festival.
Expect lively processions, pub dance-outs, seafront performances, music, bells, sticks and colourful costumes across Swanage. Click to see who's dancing.
Morris dancing FAQ.
Why do dancers wear bells? Why do some dancers paint their faces? Discover the stories, traditions and customs behind Morris dancing. Come and find out more.
Why Swanage is special for dance.
Dancers love Swanage for its seafront, lively pubs, welcoming crowds and colourful processions winding through the town. Click here for more info,
Who is dancing this year?
There’s a huge variety of dance styles, costumes and music filling Swanage this year. Click here for the full list of dance groups attending.
Some of the different dance styles you’ll see in Swanage.
Video kindly recorded by The Morris Federation
You don’t need tickets to enjoy the dancing. But may want tickets for some of the concerts.