More Information Double click to edit
Isn't Morris Dancing Pagan?ble click to edit
For most of us, Morris Dancing is just that, dancing. With no particuler religious implication whatsoever. There are various theories regarding the roots of Morris dancing, and yes, one of those theories is that it is Pagan. There are also theories that it is Moorish, and that in fact is not so ancient at all. We welcome dancers regardless of their religious convictions.Double click to edit
What is Border Morris?Double click to edit
Border Morris is a traditional British folk dance, originating in the English counties bordering Wales, Hertfordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. Though it shares a common heritage with other forms of Morris such as Cotswold or North West Morris, Border is easily recognized as a different beast.. Most border morris is danced with a simple single step (a step and a hop), not the more complexsteps used in other styles. Border is a little less tame than other traditions and dancers clash sticks together rather than waving hankerchiefs! Many sides blacken their faces and wear rag coats (shirts or tunics covered in strips of cloth or ribbons.
What do you Wear?Double click to edit
Drunken Weasels are recognizable by our kit, or dancing costume. We dress in black trousers and shirts, with a rag coat over that. Our rag coats are made in the Drunken Ferret colors of Black, Blue and Silver. Our heads are covered by black hats, most commonly top hats or bowlers, often decorated themselves in the colors of our side. We wear leather straps with bells under or knees and black shoes or boots. Our faces are "disguised" with blue make up in various patterns and designs.Double click to edit
Why do you Paint Your Faces?Double click to edit
Many Border Morris side, both traditionally and today, practiced the custom of "blacking Up". There are various theories as to why the practice was followed. Most commonly is the belief that this was a sort of disguise. These border dances were traditionally danced by men out of work in the Christmas season. Passing a hat or bag for money was a common occurence, and maty well be looked upon as illegal begging.
Since our side dances in the United States, due to concerns regarding this misinterprtation of this custom, and yet to recognize it, and obscure our own identities, we have adopted blue instead.
Since our side dances in the United States, due to concerns regarding this misinterprtation of this custom, and yet to recognize it, and obscure our own identities, we have adopted blue instead.
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When Was Your Side Formed?Double click to edit
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We are a brand new side, being the brain child, or perhaps madness of Ron Carnegie in September of 2007. Here is your chance to be part of the creation of a legend!Double click to edit
What Instruments Do You Dance Too?Double click to edit
Border Morris is danced to a HUGE variety of instruments, and all sorts of things can be heard. Most commonly however are melodeons, fiddles, drums, and such. We have danced to fiddles, concertinas, pipe and tabor, and even bagpipes.Double click to edit
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