Hankies at the ready – Morris dancers could face extinction скачать в хорошем качестве

Hankies at the ready – Morris dancers could face extinction

Britain’s traditional Morris dancing, famed for its colourful costumes, jangling knee bells and flower-decked hats, could face extinction within two decades as younger generations shy away from taking part. The Morris Ring, which represents about 200 Morris sides across the country, has warned that membership is shrinking and the average age of dancers is rising. In response, the organisation has launched a winter recruitment campaign aimed at boosting numbers ahead of the spring dancing season. Across Britain, most troupes are currently rehearsing in church and school halls as they prepare for the year ahead. However, the surge in popularity sparked by the folk revival of the late 1960s now appears to have waned. Many who joined during that revival are now in their mid-60s, leaving a demographic gap among younger participants. The roots of Morris dancing remain contested. First recorded in England in the 15th century, the term “morris” may derive from the French word morisque, meaning dance, while others suggest links to “Moorish” traditions from Morocco via Spain. Alternative theories trace the custom to ancient fertility rites, martial training exercises or even the comic traditions of medieval court jesters. There are estimated to be around 800 sides across Britain with roughly 12,000 members, encompassing not only Morris dancers but also related traditional forms such as northern sword dancing and border dancing. Despite concerns, some within the community remain optimistic. Ben Grabham, 33, one of the youngest members of the Hartley Morris Men in Maidstone, believes visibility is key to survival. He argues that dancers need to perform in venues frequented by younger audiences rather than limiting appearances to rural pubs. While traditionalists acknowledge change is inevitable, many believe Morris dancing will endure in some form. As a new generation gradually takes the lead, supporters say evolution may be necessary — and ultimately beneficial — to ensure the survival of one of Britain’s most recognisable folk traditions. #dancing #britain