Interested in finding out about morris dancing?
Try out our Tuesday evening morris class and discover one of folk dance's richest traditions. Have fun, increase your fitness and improve your dance skills whilst learning lively Cotswold morris dances with handkerchiefs and sticks. Led by tutor Andy Richards and accompanied by live music.
We also have a number of free, downloadable resources you may find of interest on our Resource Bank.
When is it?
Tuesdays, 6.30-8.00pm
Autumn Term 2024: 24 September - 3 December (no session 29 October)
Spring term 2025: 14, 21, 28 January | 4, 11, 25 February | 4, 11, 18, 24 March (no session 18 February - half term)
Fee
Term fee: £72 | £57.50 concessions (advance booking required) for the 10-week term
Single session: £9.50 | £7.50 concessions (advance booking recommended)
Who is it for?
These welcoming classes are for everyone over the age of 16. Young people aged 12 to 15 are welcome when accompanied by a responsible fee-paying adult.
The classes are for all levels of experience, including absolute beginners.
Beginners learn at their own pace, but also practice with more experienced morris dancers.
Already a seasoned morris dancer? We will address some key points that will apply to your level.
What can I learn?
Morris dance is an energetic, buoyant form of English folk dance performed to lively music in groups or ‘sides’. There are many diverse traditions across the country – our classes are based on the popular Cotswold tradition in which dancers perform with handkerchiefs and sticks.
Beginners are taught the basics alongside more experienced dancers – this is the traditional way of learning morris as it's more accessible and supportive for beginners. There is great value to be had by learning together, helping each other and working as a team, as well as focusing on individual learning points.
Who teaches the class?
The class is led by Andy Richards.
A dynamic and highly respected morris dancer, Andy has danced over many years with different teams including Moulton Morris, Cambridge Morris, Travelling Morrice, Rose Moresk, Pilgrim Morris and Taylor's Men. He is experienced at teaching morris to many different types of groups in a supportive, friendly and enjoyable manner. He is also a skilled musician playing the pipe and tabor (drum) for dancing for a number of morris traditions: Adderbury, Bampton, Bledington, Badby, Brackley, Bucknell, Fieldtown, Longborough, Wheatley, Sherborne and Ducklington. Andy is the current Chair of the Taborers Society.
This class is presented in partnership with London Pride Morris.
Four things we learned from learning to morris dance – Time Out blogger Samantha Baines
Terms and Conditions
Read full Terms and Conditions for classes and courses run by the English Folk Dance and Song Society.
For any other queries please email [email protected], or call the Education department on 020 7241 8953.
