Morris Dancing: A Living Tradition of English Folk Culture

Morris Dancing is one of the most distinctive and enduring expressions of traditional English folk culture. With roots dating back to at least the 15th century, this lively form of ritual dance is characterised by rhythmic stepping, handkerchiefs or sticks, and the jingling of bell pads worn on the dancers’ shins.

Performed by groups known as “sides,” Morris Dancing has long been associated with seasonal festivals—particularly May Day and midsummer—celebrating the cycles of nature and community spirit. Each region in England has its own variation, from the vigorous Cotswold style to the colourful and theatrical Border Morris with painted faces and tatter coats.

Today, Morris Dancing is experiencing a quiet revival. Dancers of all ages and genders are reclaiming and reinterpreting the tradition, keeping it vibrant and relevant in modern Britain. It remains a joyful, communal spectacle—both a nod to the past and a celebration of contemporary cultural identity.