The Various Styles of Morris Dancing

Morris dancing is truly one of the more difficult types of English dance to learn. That's because there are all sorts of styles of morris dancing. These styles have all come from different parts of England and have their own special variations to them. Here's a look at the six different styles of morris dancing that are used.

Border morris dancing is the first style to look into. This is named in that it has come from English towns that border Wales. This is a more simplified form of morris dancing in that more complicated moves are not emphasized. Stepping, for instance, is well stuck but is not intended to be as complex as that of other forms of morris dancing. The movements are also loose and are more welcoming of error.

Cotswold morris dancing is the second style to see. This is a form that is used in areas that are in the Cotswold hill ranges. Various different hand movements are used here, and sticks and handkerchiefs are often used as materials in the dance.

The Northwest form is used by those who live in the northwestern part of the country. This is a format that is used in processions and is seen as more professional than other forms of morris dancing. Dancers on the dancing team will be more connected physically, as they will move towards and outside of each other throughout the dance. Shoes like clogs are generally used in this style of dancing.

Sword dancing is a unique form of morris dancing. This is an English dance that is more popular in the northern part of the country. Special implements that are known as swords are used in this type of dance. Dancers will be linked together through the swords, as the dancers hold each end of the swords.

Rapper sword dancing is a variation of sword dancing. This is where a group of five dancers that are linked together by the swords throughout the entire dance perform. This dance is intended to be more intricate because of the closer distance that is between the dancers in the team.

The last of the forms of morris dancing is that of the Molly dance. This is intended to be more of a humorous form of morris dancing in that work boots are worn and one of the members is a man who is dressed in women's clothes. It has seen a resurgence in popularity but has had very little historical inspiration in terms of the style of the dance.

These are all styles of morris dancing that are used. This styles of English dance show just how great of an influence that morris dancing has made on different parts of the country and different groups.