What is Morris Dancing?
Morris dancing is one of the best-known traditions within English folk culture, although many disagree on a “correct” definition. Different traditions, regions and dance sides all bring their own history, style and interpretation.
At its heart, Morris dancing combines live music, movement and performance. Dances may involve sticks, handkerchiefs, swords, some involve stepping, shouting or character performances.
Certain traditions are energetic and noisy, while others are graceful, theatrical or almost ritual in atmosphere.
Dances are performed by groups known as “sides” (an old English term for a team or company of performers/workers moving together as a unit).
Many traditions have roots stretching back hundreds of years, while others are much more modern and continue to evolve today. Across the UK you will also find traditions connected to Molly dancing, Rapper sword dancing, clog dancing, Longsword and other regional folk customs.
More than Morris
Swanage Folk Festival also celebrates many other traditional dance cultures from across the UK and beyond.
You may also discover Irish dancers, belly dancers, traditional Czech and Slovak performers and many other styles bringing their own music, costumes and customs to the town.
These traditions are all part of the wider folk world: living cultural traditions passed between generations, performed socially, publicly and for the enjoyment of communities.
Although the styles look very different, they share the same spirit of live performance, shared tradition and bringing people together through music and dance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why is it called Morris dancing?
It is possible that the word Morris is derived from the word ‘Moorish’ or ‘Morisco’; there is some early mention of “Morys” dancing. Other languages have similar terms for dance, such as the French Morisques, Croatian Moreška, the German Moriskentanz and Moresco from Spain.
However there is no evidence that the dance came from the Moors, nor is there significant evidence of connections between Moorish dancing and Morris dancing.
Different Morris styles
There are many forms of Morris Dances and the styles vary from different parts of Britain. The basis for most dances is rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures performed by groups of dancers usually wielding handkerchiefs, sticks, swords, or garlands.
Traditionally almost all forms of Morris were danced exclusively by men. It is not clear why women were excluded, but this appears to have contributed to the robust style of many Morris styles.
You don’t need tickets to enjoy the dancing. But may want tickets for some of the concerts.