Mercia Morris to perform at Stone Festival

This year’s Stone Festival goers are invited to get their dancing shoes on and join in the fun with the town’s very own Morris team.

The Mercia Morris dance side, based in Stone, will be performing at the festival on Carnival Day, Saturday 13th June.

The side will be involved in the carnival procession, starting at 1.30pm, then afterwards will be performing a number of dances in several spots on the festival site at Westbridge Park. Their performances will include a public-participation dance for those who would like to experience being involved in the real thing for themselves.

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, while Jeff’s role is music co-ordinator.

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.

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The side includes plenty of the traditional elements of Morris dancing, with much clashing of sticks and waving of handkerchiefs, but Jeff said:  “We also like to develop our own dances, often using rearrangements of 20th century tunes, played with the melodeon and percussion, to give a fusion of both traditional and more modern elements.”

In addition to their live performances, Mercia Morris will be holding a free beginners’ night on Thursday 18th June and invite all interested adults to join in the fun at Pirehill First School. Membership of the group is open to all adults regardless of experience, and Sue recommends participants wear training shoes or similar footwear.  The first session is free of charge, with subsequent ones £2 per week.  The sessions run from 7.45 – 9.15pm.

Further information can be obtained from Sue or Jeff by calling 01782 791673 or via email – suebell28@aol.com.  Alternatively,  just turn up on the night if you are interested.

Sue said:  “Morris dancing is great fun and helps 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.”

There’s lots going on during Stone Festival week, which starts on 6th June. Read Andy MacDonald’s guide HERE