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DANCE THEY MUST Spring 1984 HT News No longer lost in the dim past, Morris Dances are being performed today by enthusiastic and energetic groups, one of which is called the Greenwich Morris Men of New York City. Their presentations are called "most impressive" by many observers. The newly resurgent urge to feel closer to their origins, has led interested people here and elsewhere in this country and in Europe to sometimes express themselves by means of historic dances. The original Morris dances were performed all over Europe probably as a part of a larger ceremonial to celebrate the return of sprawl. As society changed, the dances lost their ritual function; and once faced stiff restrictions from the Christian Church because they originated in pagan thought and times. It was even once felt that the dances were magical and would bring good luck to all who participated. Nowadays performers dance the Morris for recreation, although its ceremonial nature is an important part of the pleasure the dancers receive. They report that in the right circumstances, a touch of the ancient ritual can still be felt. Morris Dance teams perform in Central Park from spring through fall. They wear bells attached to leather pads on their shins which jingle with each step (once possibly thought to awaken the earth in spring). The sounds mingle with those of pipe, drum, and concertina to establish an atmosphere of authenticity. To make a credible transition to ancient days of yore, the dress of Morris Dancers follows the original coded its color is white, accented by colorful ribbons and rosettes that vary from team to team as the costumes once did from village to village. In one team version of the dance, a musician pipes out the tune of "How Do You Do, Sir?", as six Bowerie Boys, waving white handkerchiefs step, stamp, and hop in double-row formation. Then two dancers break toward the center, leaping three, four, or more feet into the air while the others step and kick in place. Their rendition seems part square dance, part jig-tarantella-kazatsky. Most of the dances performed by the Greenwich Morris Men of New York City come from the village of Leafield, or Fieldtown, in the Cokswold hills of Oxfordshire, England. Other dances come from Bledington, and from Bampton, "the oldest village in the world," as it calls itself. At one time, many of the towns and villages in this area had their own Morris teams. Each developed its own style and repertoire, which the performers try to maintain as best they can. Taking up a collection is a part of the Morris tradition. It is considered good luck to give a coin, or a bill if preferred, to the Morris dancers - to provide "oats for the horses" (if they have a hobby horse with them), and "beer for the men". As in all folk pursuits there is a distinct out-going attitude displayed by Morris dancers. They are happy to share their thoughts about the Morris and are eager to let you know where they will be dancing next. New men and women who have a serious interest in dancing are always welcome to inquire about joining the team. Regular practices are held between September and June. (references to specific groups omitted) There are sixty Morris teams in the united States and more than four hundred in England and Canada so there ale ample opportunities for more people to participate. Without much fanfare, here is pure fun, not to mention the strange and curious satisfaction which comes from momentarily stepping back into distant time to share the feelings of ancestors, gone from the scene but not really from deep well Spain's of remembrance. |
