North West morris
North West morris dancing is from Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Cheshire and is usually performed in sets of 8 dancers, although sets of 6 to 12 are not unusual.
Dances were originally processional, moving through the streets of the local town or village.
The dancers often wear iron-shod clogs, sometimes with bells on. Nowadays they dance with the distinctive cross polka step or rant and high kicks.
Flower garlands, short sticks with bells on or slings (short lengths of braided ropes) are used in the dances.
Severn Gilders
Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival, Cambridgeshire 2012
Photo: Sue Swift
