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There are several different types of Morris Dance, each one originally
based in a geographical region of England.
Knockhundred dance in a style known as Northwest which is typified by
wooden soled clogs, strings of brightly coloured beads and large groups
of musicians. Most of the original dances were designed to form part
of a procession but have been modified so that they can be performed
in one spot, usually outside a pub!
Although many of the dances have been around for a very long time, Knockhundred
is proud of the dances written by our own team
members.
These are in the same style as the “traditional” dances but use movements
invented by us.
But there’s more to Morris Dancing than just dancing! Knockhundred have
some fine singers and musicians and they can often be heard giving their
rendition of songs and tunes after dancing outside a pub. This “Après
Morris” can cover a wide range of styles and includes both modern and
traditional pieces.
Apart from "Northwest" or just "Clog Morris" there are several other
styles to be seen across the country.
The most common of these comes from the Cotswolds and this is what most
people think of when Morris Dancing is mentioned. Performed with sticks
or white handkerchiefs, it can be seen outside pubs throughout the country
during the summer.
"Border " and "Molly" are much more free-form with the dancers doing
their own thing. Often performed with blackened faces, shrieks and screams,
this style is becoming increasingly popular with dancers.
The Northeast was and still is home to sword dancing. Unlike its Scottish
cousin, English sword dancing involves dancing while holding the swords
at both ends and the teams of five or six people use them to weave intricate
patterns or even perform somersaults.
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