The History of Morris Dancing

The morris dance is one of the most notable forms of English dance in all of history. In fact, since the dance form was first started it has expanded throughout England and has spread to other parts of the world. The history of morris dancing is one that is well illustrated throughout history.

The story of the morris dance began at around the fifteenth century. It is not certain as to the exact date when the dance began. The name of the dance comes from the idea that the Moors may have invented the dance style in the first place during that time.

This English dance would eventually become more recognizable during the turn of the seventeenth century. William Kempe, a comic actor who performed in various Shakespearean plays, traveled from London to Norwich over the course of a couple of weeks. He spread the morris dance to various places on the way during the trip.

Although this English dance did become more popular the dance was almost stopped by the Puritan government that had run England. Various festivals and other parties were prohibited in accordance with Puritan rules. When King Charles II became king in 1660 he brought back those festivals and the Morris dance was able to continue.

The Boxing Day holiday in England has helped to bring back the dance. Various different dancing teams would perform to the interest of historians in the country. In the early part of the twentieth century the popularity of this dance would continue to go along in that some women's teams for morris dancing became popular.

The Morris Ring was formed in the middle of the twentieth century. This is a grouping for various different morris dancing teams, including both teams for men and women and in some cases mixed teams. Not only are morris dancing activities featured here but instructional sessions are featured.

Today morris dancing has become more popular in all parts of the world. This is because various people who have moved from England to other parts of the world have spread this custom to their new homes. There are some morris dancing chapters in the United States and Canada today. There are also some chapters in places that the United Kingdom once controlled but has since lost its control, including India and Hong Kong.

The history of morris dancing is one that has spanned several centuries. While it was almost stopped as a result of the Puritan government from many centuries ago it has become a dance that has captivated the interest of many over the years. The interest that historians have over it has helped to get it popular as well, and it has also spread outside of England.