AN “American” Morris Dancing group has been launched in Lymm – reviving a form of the dance which was once popular in the village but has not been seen for many years.
The dance differs from the Morris dancing seen regularly at festivals in Lymm in that the dancers do not carry sticks.
Lymm Adivas are meeting at Lymm Youth and Community Centre on Wednesdays, led by Kate Pritchard.
Ten girls attended the first practice session, but boys are also welcome as are adults.
Kate said: “Our dancing is quite different to traditional English Morris. We have no sticks but carry pompoms and wear bells.
“~I’m not quite sure why it is called American Morris, in fact it is sometimes called ‘Fluffy’ Morris Dancing. But it does help to differentiate between what we do and the familiar Morris groups you see around.”
Once the group is established, it is planned to enter competitions around the North West.
In fact, Morris dancing is believed to have been established in America as early as 1585. There are believed to be some 150 groups in America – and at least three “English” Morris tunes were written by Americans in the 17th century.
Long before traditional English Morris dances were recorded they are believed to have been influenced by popular American culture.
Anyone interested in joining the Lymm Adivas should call Kate on 07562 837079
AN “American” Morris Dancing group has been launched in Lymm – reviving a
form of the dance which was once popular in the village but has not
been seen for many years.
American Morris Dance group launched
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
3 Comments
American Morris – do not carry sticks , so much for the right to bear arms 😉
“Long before traditional English Morris dances were recorded they are believed to have been influenced by popular American culture.”
Really?
The earliest known and surviving English written mention of Morris dance is dated to 1448, and records the payment of seven shillings to Morris dancers by the Goldsmiths’ Company in London.[
We are just trying to seperate ourselves from being confused as the traditional Morris dancing , everyone is welcome 6.00 in the youth club £3.50 come and see what all the fuss is about !