The Mercia Morris dance side which was formed in Cotes Heath and moved to a new base in Stone in September is making its long-awaited debut performance at Barlaston Wassail on New Year’s Eve.
The team was established by experienced morris dancer, musician and teacher, Sue Bell, and local musician and writer, Jeff Kent. Sue is the side’s dance organiser and Jeff the music co-ordinator.
The side will be performing a number of dances in Barlaston Village Hall from 10.30 p.m., which will round off with a public-participation dance for those who would like to experience for themselves being involved in the real thing.
The event is also notable as being the first time that Jeff has played live in North Staffordshire since his Y2K Only One World Tour, which promoted his then new CD of that name.
The precise origins of morris dancing remain a mystery, but it is an old English tradition and there are several references to it in Shakespeare’s works.
Today there are a number of distinct types and Mercia Morris concentrate on performing dances developed from traditional Border and Cotswold styles and Molly dances from East Anglia.
The side includes plenty of the traditional elements of morris dancing, such as clashing sticks and waving handkerchiefs, but Jeff said, ‘We like to develop our own dances, often using rearrangements of 20th century tunes, played mainly with the melodeon and percussion, to give a fusion of traditional and more modern elements.’
In addition to their live performance, Mercia Morris will be holding a beginners’ night on Thursday 8th January and are inviting all interested adults to join in the fun of the first of their new year weekly practices at Pirehill First School, in Tilling Drive, Stone, ST15 0AA.
The group is open to all adults (beginners and experienced dancers) and Sue recommends that participants wear training shoes or similar footwear. The first two sessions will be free of charge and the cost from then on will be £2 per week. The sessions run from 7.45 to 9.15. Further information can be obtained from Sue or Jeff on 01782 791673 or by e-mailing suebell28@aol.com, but interested people can just turn up on the night.
Sue said: “Morris dancing is great fun and helps to improve fitness. I have taught hundreds of people to dance and there have been very few who haven’t mastered the essentials within a short time. Anyone can come along and have a go as we will be starting with the basics.”
