Morris Dancer
I was introduced to the tradition of Border Morris when I joined Wild Hunt Bedlam Border Morris ab
out 5 years ago now.
The Wild Hunt Bedlam Morris Side is a blend of ancient North European Mythology and English Border Morris dance, which captures some of the original mystique and magic of our past.
Our dances involved lots of shouting and whooping, sticks clashing and rags flying, wearing masks to disguise who we were in order to thrill and terrify the audience.
It was really great fun and the folks there were great.
Following this we, Megan and I decided to hive off from the Hunt and start our own side, with a few other close friends who wanted to try something a little different.
So we created Bacchus Border Morris.
Bacchus grew for me from a love of Morris and Folk music and so we tried to incorporate both loves into our dances coming up with something a little different.
We were named after the Roman God of the vine and grape and so we decided to name all our our dances in this vein including Tipsy, Away with the Fairies and Happy Hour and we also had a Green Man to accompany us on all our travels.
Over the time I have been a Morris Dancer, I have enjoyed discovering the folk scene of Southern England, travelling to folk festivals, re-enactment fairs and bunkfests from Tewkesbury to Weymouth and more.
I have also written and performed in many Pagan open rituals and events with Bacchus and the Hunt including the Halloween Bash in Central London, the Gaia Conventions with the Pagan Federation London and the Eastbourne Lammas and Wassail gatherings with Hunters Moon Morris side.
Now I have moved to the other side of the world and although Morris is not as big over here in Oz there is still a tradition here too and so begins my next adventure in Morris.
A brand new side following the border tradition with a couple of surprises to keep you guessing, and we are called Goat Foot Morris… watch this space for dates and more Morris fun…
Here’s to the music!
Ali x