Warm up
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Morris dancing is an energetic activity and so warm ups are essential.
Teachers may have their own preferred way of doing them and there is no reason why these cannot be used. We are aware that teaching time is generally limited so we do suggest that the Warm-Up Session is used to learn the steps for each particular dance to its own tune. The dancers will then be familiar with the steps and the music when they come to learn the figures.
Aims of the Warm-Up
To raise the heart rate and body temperature gradually, using mostly movements of the large muscles of the legs.
To mobilize the major joints with controlled movements.
To rehearse the steps to be used in the main section of the class.
Don’t forget to check if anyone has any injuries or particular disabilities and assess how best they can be included in Morris Dancing.
Gradually raise the heart rate.
The following exercises also help in getting used to morris phrasing – use the music of the dance you are going to do.
All stand in a circle and together count to eight clapping on each beat.
All stand in a circle and count to eight but only clap on beats seven and eight (or any which you choose).
Introduce a Single Step (when working on Balance the Straw and Walton’s Parade, substitute either the Double Step or Polka Step at this point) to a count of eight – using 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and 5 and 6 and 7 and 8 counting. There are instructions on the different Single Steps at the beginning of the dances Bobbing Around, Dilwyn and Molly Dance.
Have them step on the spot to count of eight, then stepping but stopping and clapping on seven and eight.
Finally, either dancing round in a circle for six, then clap on seven and eight or let them do the same, dancing anywhere round the room.
Mobilizing the Joints
The walking and stepping as described will mobilize the ankles, knees and, to some extent, hips.
For morris dancing the hands are used as well. So now add wrist circles, gentle arm circles, and shoulder circles and shrugs. End by stretching arms up and relaxing. There is no short static stretch included, because there is some evidence that it is contraindicated and the mobilizing exercises provide dynamic stretching.
Adding Specific Steps
So far we have used the basic step of each dance. However most of the dances have more than one step, which may be side steps, capers or step backs. If you want to include these, and it is not always necessary at the early stages of learning, this is a good time to work on them. Alternatively you may want to go into the dance itself now and deal with these extras later.
