Overview

A morris dance is a form of English folk dance usually accompanied by music. It is based on rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by a group of dancers. Implements such as sticks, swords, and handkerchiefs may also be wielded by the dancers. In a small number of dances for one or two men, steps are performed near and across a pair of clay tobacco pipes laid across each other on the floor. There are claims that English records of the morris dance dating back to 1448 exist, but these are open to dispute. There is no mention of morris dancing earlier than the late 15th century, although early records such as Bishops' Visitation Articles mention sword dancing, guising and other dancing activities as well as mumming plays. Furthermore, the earliest records invariably mention Morys in a court setting, and both men and women are mentioned as dancing, and a little later in the Lord Mayors' Processions in London. It is only later that it begins to be mentioned as something performed in the parishes.

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