Local variations and styles have produced localised 'TRADITIONS'.
Where these dances are still performed in their original locale it is know as a 'Living Tradition'.
Other groups of enthusiasts help to keep Morris Dancing alive in other areas.
One of these is Moonraker Morris.
The Morris Tradition
Morris Dancing can be traced back to times immemorial when the dances were of a festive and fertility nature.
The object of the group is to help keep alive the traditional dance and music of the Country. By their own efforts and knowledge, with the use of literature and publications from the English Folk Dance Society the group has continued to the present day.
Today Moonraker Morris dance both Border Dances and dances in the the 'Cotswold Traditions'.
Public performances have ranged from appearances at major folk festivals, self-sponsored evening tours of local hostelries, appearances at fetes, to craft shows and the like. We also made an appearance in the Salisbury International Festival 1987 in their weekend of street entertainments.
1988 saw the 10th Anniversary of the group - this was celebrated with a Weekend 'Ale' held at Alton Barnes with past members as guests together with Rumford Morris Men. A dancing tour to Avebury, Lacock and Devizes was included, together with a ceilidh on the Saturday. We have continued holding the Ale in May and invite other teams to join us in a weekend of dancing and fun (see the Events page for details).
2007 was our 30th Anniversary which we celebrated with a Feast on the Friday night of the annual Ale. We invited founder members and had an excellent meal followed by some impromptu dancing.
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