Exeter Morris men Workshop and Open Evening

Exeter Morris Men are inviting anyone who has ever considered having a go at Morris dancing to go along to their Open Evening at Ide Memorial Hall at 8pm on Thursday 25 October.

Now the dancing season has come to an end, the search is on to find more members to add to the thirty strong side and Exeter Morris would be especially interested to hear from younger dancers.

Morris dancing may be an ancient tradition but go to any summer fete, fair or countryside gathering and these flamboyant performers will still form a major part of the day’s activities. Yet some Morris dancing groups are still struggling to attract younger members, though maybe not so much since making an appearance in the 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony.

Squire, Nick Lambert said, “The image of Morris dancers has tended to be that they are overweight old men with beards who have a fondness for real ale. Well the real ale part may be true, but that’s where it ends and nowadays, the interest in Morris dancing is on the increase, particularly from the younger members of our audience”.

“Anyone learning to be a Morris dancer will be surprised by just how energetic it can be and some of the dances will give you a great aerobic workout. As well as a good way to keep fit, Morris dancing is being appreciated just as much for its lively sense of fun as well as its tradition”.

Members of the Exeter side are not just from around Exeter, but travel from as far as Plymouth, Brixham, Taunton and Honiton. A wide range of occupations are represented by the Exeter Morris Men including architect, dentist, french polisher, farmer, teacher, chiropractor, accountant and solicitor.

Foreman Russ Palmer, who leads the weekly practice sessions, said, “Everyone can give it a go and you don’t need any specific background. Cotswold Morris makes use of fairly simple stepping, so it’s easy for beginners to learn. We are certain that we can teach at least one dance up to a level where it could be performed in public.”

“One of the side’s newest recruits joined just two years ago, never having done any dancing before. He was confident enough to perform any of four dances on the regular Thursday evening ‘Dance Outs’ after just seven months practice”.

Exeter Morris are keen to point out that anyone turning up on Thursday will be made very welcome and are offering to provide a lift to Ide and to buy potential members a drink in the pub afterwards. If anyone needs a lift, they should telephone 01392 660444.

Exeter Morris Men are the oldest established side in Devon, formed in 1951 and are a familiar sight in Exeter and the villages and seaside resorts of South & East Devon during the summer months. Regular fixtures include the Exeter Craft Festival held each year on Cathedral Green and Colyford Goose Fayre.

Nick said, “Morris Dancing really is fun and our catchphrase is, Exeter Morris Men Get Their Kicks With Hankies & Sticks”.