Important Terms in Morris Dancing

One of the most notable parts of morris dance culture involves the terms that are used in the dance. Since this style of dancing has been around for centuries various different traditions are used, and there are different forms that are used by different groups. The terms in morris dancing, however, are the same regardless of the style.

One of the terms in this dance culture is that of a side. This is a term that refer to a team of people that perform in a single dance. The number of people in the side is the set. This is generally six or eight based on the style of morris dancing that is being performed.

A beast can be used in the side as well. The beast refers to a member of the side that dresses in a costume. This member is one that will interact with other people who are watching the performance.

The tradition is the series of dances that is performed by the entire side. The dances that are performed in the tradition will generally have a few things in common with each other. These include the arm and leg movements in the dance and the figures used in the dances.

There are some dances in the tradition that can be performed by only one member of the side. These dances are known as jigs. In some cases two people can perform in the jig.

An ale is a performance of morris dancing. It is a private performance for a small group of people rather than for that of a public performance. In some cases a private performance can be done for a dinner or other formal event and can be combined with a day of dance for the public.

An ale is used to refer to a party that morris dancers can perform at in some areas. This is where a group sells ales and other drinks to raise funds while morris dancers perform for the public. It is something that is definitely popular in morris dance culture.

Common figures are used in sides in morris dancing. These figures are ones that are common to all of the dances that are going to be performed in a tradition. This means that all of the people will be the same in all of the dances.

The last of the terms in this dance culture is the distinctive figure. This is a figure that is in a side that helps to differentiate dances from one to another.

Those are all terms in morris dancing that are used in morris dancing circles. When learning how to perform morris dances it is best to know these different terms so that one can fully be immersed in the morris dance culture.