1. Morris Dancing
1. Morris Dancing
Morris dancing is a traditional English folk dance that has been performed for centuries. It is a form of dance performed by a group of dancers, often wearing bells and ribbons, accompanied by musicians playing traditional instruments. The dancers perform a series of complex steps, often in intricate patterns and combinations.
Morris dancing is said to have originated in the 15th century, and is believed to have been a combination of French and Italian dance styles. It has been popular throughout the centuries, and is still performed in many parts of Britain today.
The traditional Morris dance is usually performed in a circle, with the dancers stepping in and out of the circle as they move around. The dancers are accompanied by a variety of instruments such as drums, accordions, and concertinas, and sometimes by a bagpipe.
Morris dancing is a popular form of entertainment at traditional English festivals and events, such as May Day and Whitsun. It is also performed in pubs and village halls, and is sometimes used to mark special occasions, such as weddings and christenings.
Types of Morris Dancing
There are many different types of Morris dancing, each with its own unique style and steps. These include Cotswold Morris, Border Morris, North West Morris, Longsword Morris, and Rapper Sword Morris. The steps and costumes used in each style of Morris dancing vary from region to region.
Morris dancing is a great way to experience traditional British culture and to get to know the people of the area. It is also a great way to keep fit and have fun, and is a popular activity for both children and adults.
2. Clog Dancing
2. Clog Dancing
Clog dancing is a traditional British folk dance that is still popular today. It is a form of percussive dance in which the dancer wears clogs, which are wooden-soled shoes, and uses them to create an audible rhythm. Clog dancing is often accompanied by traditional English folk music, such as Morris music.
The origins of clog dancing are unclear, but it is believed to have developed in the industrial areas of northern England in the 19th century. The dance was popular among the working classes, who used it to express their emotions.
Clog dancing is a form of solo dance, and the steps are simple and repetitive. The dancer moves from side to side, and often performs jumps and turns. The steps are usually made in time to the music, and the dancer’s arms are often used to add to the rhythm.
Clog dancing has been adapted to fit into the ballroom style of dancing, and is often performed in competitions. Ballroom clog dancing includes more complex steps, and the dancer is expected to perform with grace and precision.
Clog Dancing Competitions
Clog dancing competitions are held throughout Britain. They are usually divided into two categories: traditional clog dancing, and ballroom clog dancing. Competitors are judged on their technique, rhythm, and musicality.
Clog dancing competitions are a great way to experience the traditional British folk dance. They provide an opportunity to see the best clog dancers in the country, and to learn more about the history and culture of clog dancing.
3. Sword Dancing
Sword Dancing
Sword dancing is a traditional British folk dance with strong ties to ballroom dancing. It is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages, and is still performed today in many parts of Britain.
The dance involves two or more dancers, each holding a sword or stick, and performing a series of intricate steps and movements in time with the music. It is often accompanied by a fiddle or other traditional instruments.
The dance is usually performed in a circle, with the swords forming a kind of archway over the centre of the circle. As the dance progresses, the swords are crossed and uncrossed, and the dancers weave in and out of the archway.
The most famous sword dance is the Scottish Highland Sword Dance, which is performed as part of the Highland Games. It is also performed in many other parts of Britain, including in the North West of England and in Wales.
History and Influence
Sword dancing has been a popular form of entertainment in Britain for centuries. It has been influenced by many different cultures, including the Celts, the Romans, and the Vikings.
The sword dance has also had a strong influence on ballroom dancing. Many of the steps and movements used in sword dancing are similar to those used in ballroom dances such as the waltz, the polka, and the quadrille.
Modern Sword Dancing
Sword dancing is still popular today, and is often performed at festivals and events. It is also a popular form of entertainment at weddings and other celebrations.
Modern sword dancers have taken the traditional steps and movements and adapted them to create a more contemporary style. This has led to the development of new sword dances, such as the Irish Sword Dance, the American Sword Dance, and the Latin American Sword Dance.
Sword dancing is also a popular form of exercise, and classes are available in many parts of Britain. It is a great way to get fit and have fun at the same time!
4. North West Morris
4. North West Morris
North West Morris is a type of traditional English folk dance that has been popular in the north-west of England since the 19th century. It is often seen as a combination of both traditional English Morris and North West Clog dancing.
The dance is performed by a group of dancers, usually wearing white trousers and shirts, and coloured sashes and hats. The dancers move in a line, with each dancer facing the opposite direction. The dancers then move in a circular motion, often performing intricate steps and hand movements.
The music for North West Morris is usually played on a melodeon (a small accordion-like instrument) and is often accompanied by a drum. The music is usually fast-paced and lively.
History of North West Morris
The tradition of North West Morris dates back to the 19th century, when it was popular in the north-west of England. The style of dance was influenced by both traditional English Morris and North West Clog dancing.
In the early 20th century, the dance began to decline in popularity, but it was revived in the 1970s by the revival of the folk music scene. Today, the dance is still popular in the north-west of England, and is performed at festivals and events throughout the year.
5. Longsword Dancing
5. Longsword Dancing
Longsword dancing is a traditional folk dance that originated in the British Isles centuries ago. It is a form of dance that involves two or more dancers holding a longsword, or a wooden pole with a flat blade at the end. The movements of the dance are often accompanied by live music, such as drums and fiddles.
Longsword dancing is a popular form of dance in the United Kingdom, and is performed at many festivals and events throughout the year. It is a physical activity that requires skill, agility and coordination, and is often used as a form of physical exercise.
History of Longsword Dancing
Longsword dancing is believed to have originated in the British Isles during the Middle Ages. It is thought to have been used as a form of military training, as well as a form of entertainment and leisure activity.
The first recorded reference to longsword dancing was in the 15th century, when it was mentioned in a poem by the Scottish poet William Dunbar. It became popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and was often performed at special occasions such as weddings and festivals.
Modern Longsword Dancing
Today, longsword dancing is still performed in many parts of the United Kingdom. It is often seen at traditional festivals and events, such as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Durham Miners’ Gala.
Longsword dancing is also popular in the United States, where it is often performed at festivals and events. The American Longsword Association holds an annual competition, where teams of dancers compete in a variety of categories.
Longsword dancing is an exciting and energetic form of dance that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to get fit, have fun and learn about the history and culture of the British Isles.
6. Rapper Sword Dancing
6. Rapper Sword Dancing
Rapper sword dancing is a traditional form of folk dance that originated in the North East of England in the 19th century. It is a form of longsword dancing, where dancers link together metal swords to form complex patterns. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of a rapper, a type of sword.
The dance is composed of a series of figures, which are linked together to form a continuous dance. Each figure consists of a sequence of steps, which are performed in time to the music. Dancers must be careful to maintain the correct formation and timing, as any mistakes can cause the swords to become tangled and the dance to collapse.
The dance is usually performed in a circle, with five or six dancers. The rapper is held by one of the dancers, who leads the figure. The other dancers follow the leader, linking their swords together to form complex patterns.
The dance is often accompanied by a live band, which plays traditional folk music. The music is usually upbeat, and encourages the dancers to move quickly and energetically.
Style of Rapper Sword Dancing
Rapper sword dancing is typically performed in a style known as the ‘Northumbrian Step’. This style involves quick steps and turns, as well as intricate hand and arm movements. Dancers must be agile and have good coordination in order to perform the dance correctly.
The dance is often performed with a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and is a great way to get the audience involved. It is a popular form of entertainment at traditional folk festivals and events, and can be seen at many venues around the UK.
7. Garland Dancing
7. Garland Dancing
Garland dancing is a popular traditional folk dance in Britain, with ballroom influences. It is believed to have originated in the 16th century, and is still performed today.
The dance is performed by two people, who hold hands and form a circle. The dancers then move in a clockwise direction, weaving in and out of each other. The dance is usually accompanied by music, and can be very energetic and lively.
The dance is thought to have been inspired by the Maypole dance, a popular folk dance in Britain. It is also believed to have been used as a courtship ritual in some parts of the country.
Garland dancing is often seen at festivals and folk events in Britain, and is a popular activity for children. It is also a popular form of exercise, and is often used to help keep people fit and healthy.
How to Perform Garland Dancing
Garland dancing is relatively simple to learn and can be a lot of fun. The basic steps are as follows:
1. Stand in a circle with your partner, holding hands.
2. Move in a clockwise direction, weaving in and out of each other.
3. Stay in time with the music.
4. Keep your arms and hands straight and move in a steady rhythm.
5. Try to keep the circle as tight as possible.
6. Have fun!
8. Appalachian Clogging
Appalachian Clogging
Appalachian Clogging is a type of folk dance that has been popular in Britain since the 19th century. It is believed to have originated in the Appalachian Mountains of North America and is believed to be a combination of Irish, Scottish, and English dance styles.
The dance is performed in a line formation and is usually accompanied by a fiddle, banjo, or guitar. The dancers move their feet and arms in sync with the music, while their hands remain near their chests. The steps are often intricate and involve a lot of footwork.
Appalachian Clogging is often seen at folk festivals and events in the UK. It is a popular choice for couples to perform at weddings and other special occasions. The dance is also seen at country fairs, barn dances, and other traditional events.
Clothing
Appalachian Clogging is typically performed in traditional clothing. Men often wear breeches, vests, and shirts, while women wear long skirts and blouses. The clothing is usually made of natural fabrics such as cotton or linen.
Music
The music used for Appalachian Clogging is typically jigs and reels, which are fast-paced tunes that are often played on the fiddle, banjo, or guitar. The tempo of the music can vary depending on the complexity of the steps.
Conclusion
Appalachian Clogging is a traditional British folk dance that has been popular in the UK for centuries. It is a fun and energetic dance that is often seen at folk festivals and other traditional events. The dance is performed in a line formation and is accompanied by traditional music. The clothing worn is usually traditional and made of natural fabrics.
9. Welsh Step Dancing
Welsh Step Dancing
Welsh step dancing is a traditional Welsh folk dance, originating in the rural communities of Wales. It is a form of percussive dance, in which the dancer’s feet make rhythmic tapping sounds as they move to the music. The dance is often performed in a circle, with the dancers facing each other in pairs.
History
Welsh step dancing has been around for centuries, with references to it in medieval Welsh literature. It is believed to have been developed by rural communities in Wales as an expression of their culture and identity.
Style
Welsh step dancing is traditionally performed in a line or circle formation, with the dancers facing each other in pairs. The steps are usually performed with a quick, light, and precise movement of the feet. The dancers often use their hands to accentuate the steps, and the dance is often accompanied by singing.
Music
The music for Welsh step dancing is usually traditional Welsh folk music, which is typically performed on the fiddle, harp, or accordion. The music is typically fast-paced and upbeat, and often includes improvisation.
Popularity
Welsh step dancing is still popular in Wales today, and is often performed at festivals and other events. It is also gaining popularity in other parts of the world, and has been featured in films and on television.
10. English Country Dancing
10. English Country Dancing
English Country Dancing is a traditional British folk dance that has been around since the 16th century. It is a social dance that is danced in a set of couples, usually in a line or a circle. The dancers follow a sequence of steps, which are called figures. These figures are often repeated several times in a dance.
The music for English Country Dancing is usually played on a fiddle, or sometimes on a flute, and is often accompanied by a piano. The tempo of the music can vary, depending on the figure being danced.
English Country Dancing is a popular form of dance in Britain, and is often performed at weddings, parties, and other social events.
Steps
The steps of English Country Dancing are simple and easy to learn. They involve a lot of turning and changing of places with the other dancers. The most common figures are the “right and left”, “siding”, and “turning”.
Costumes
English Country Dancing is usually performed in traditional costumes. Men wear a shirt, waistcoat, and trousers, while women wear a dress or skirt and blouse. The costumes are often brightly coloured and decorated with ribbons or lace.
Competitions
English Country Dancing is also a popular competitive sport. Competitions are held throughout the year, and the winners are awarded prizes. The competitions are judged on the accuracy and complexity of the steps, as well as the energy and enthusiasm of the dancers.
