Exeter Morris 'Join your Local Team' workshop
Exeter Morris Men are inviting anyone who has ever considered having a go at Morris dancing to go along to their Workshop at Ide Memorial Hall at 8pm on Thursday 24th January.
The regular dancing season ended in September and the search is on to find more members to join the side.
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 even 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”.
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 between now and the new dance season up to a level where it could be performed in public.”
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. The Squire has promised to buy potential members a drink in the pub afterwards. Exeter Morris can be contacted via their website, www.exetermorris.co.uk or can be found on both Facebook and Twitter.
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”.
