Muddy River Morris held its first practice at Wheelock College in Boston in 1975 during a time of resurgent enthusiasm for folk dancing. Muddy River dancers were among the first to challenge the notion that only men should dance morris. They joined a burgeoning movement of all-female morris groups in England and the U.S. founded by women who were barred from dancing with existing local teams. Today, Muddy River considers itself a “historically women’s morris team” that welcomes individuals of all marginalized genders, including trans and non-binary dancers.
Morris dance is a tradition that dates back several centuries. Villages throughout the Costwold Region of England were home to Morris teams. Each town produced its own variation on the dance. Traditions practiced by contemporary morris teams today maintain the name of their town of origin. Muddy River Morris dances several traditions but most frequently Fieldtown and Ducklington.
A handful of original members still dance with Muddy River, joined by a vibrant and proliferating group of younger dancers. The composition of the team is dynamic, with many comings and goings, but the group continues to be a community of all ages and abilities. No previous dance experience is required to join Muddy River – only an inexplicable love of morris dancing and a high tolerance for group shenanigans!
What is morris dancing?
Morris dancing is a form of folk dance originating in the Cotswold region in England.The tradition dates back at least to Shakespeare’s time. It nearly died out but was revived in the early 20th century. Today morris dancing is performed throughout England, North America, and beyond. Individuals of all ages are drawn to the dance, the music, and the welcoming community.
The origins of morris dancing are not known but theories and speculation abound. Morris became common throughout England during the Middle Ages. It became associated with certain festivals and seasonal observances. Performances of morris dancing have been noted as particularly prevalent on Whitsun, or Whitsunday,which appears on the Christian calendar as Pentecost. It was noted in the King James I “Book of Sports” that “May games, Whitsun ales and morris dances, and the setting up of May-poles…” were permissible springtime activities. Suffice it to say that it is an old form of folk dance that is generally traced back to the Cotswold region of England.
There is much to be found on the Internet about morris dancing. Of course, Wikipedia is a good place to begin. To learn more, click on the links below: