Morris Dancing | Stafford Morris

The History

Morris dancing is a lively and joyful slice of English tradition, with roots stretching back over 500 years. Today, Morris sides all over the country keep this tradition alive, performing at village fetes, fairs, and local pubs, especially during the summer months. It’s a wonderfully social activity where men and women, young and not-so-young, come together to dance, laugh, and celebrate. The dance itself takes some skill, a good bit of stamina, and a lot of spirit. And of course, no Morris performance is complete without music. Our talented musicians bring the energy to life with melodeons, fiddles, accordions, concertinas, and more, creating a fantastic soundtrack to this timeless tradition.

Morris dancing is a traditional English folk dance that dates back to at least the 15th century, with references found in court records from the time of Henry VIII. Originally, it was thought to be a form of ritualistic or ceremonial dance, possibly linked to fertility rites or celebrations of seasonal changes. Over time, it evolved into a community dance performed at festivals and special occasions. Styles of Morris dancing vary across regions, with Cotswold, Border, and North West being some of the main forms. Today, it remains a vibrant part of British culture, celebrated by teams across the country.

Possibly the earliest photograph of morris dancers is that of the Bucknell dancers. The photograph on the right has been dated as taken in 1882.

The Dances

The dances performed by Stafford Morris are mostly rooted in the Cotswold tradition, drawing inspiration from villages like Bampton, Fieldtown, Adderbury, Headington, Bledington, and beyond. Expect to see our dancers, either six or eight at a time, waving hankies or clashing sticks with energy and flair. Occasionally, one or two brave souls will step up for a jig – a fast-paced solo or duo that’s not for the faint-hearted.

As the proud custodians of the Lichfield tradition of Morris Dancing, you can experience a local Staffordshire style of Morris Dancing.

Our dances can be graceful or full of bounce, but they always demand plenty of skill and, let’s be honest, heaps of stamina. If the mood strikes, we might throw in a dramatic Sword dance – that is, if we’ve practiced enough to avoid any finger-related mishaps!