Young morris dancers ring the changes in North

Jan 11 2009 by Robert Weatherall, Sunday Sun

IT has been a sight in English villages and towns for centuries but now the tradition of morris dancing could be set to die out.

There are dire warnings from the national governing body of morris dancing that within 20 years the ancient practice could be consigned to the history books because a younger generation of potential dancers are refusing to take part.

The Morris Ring claims the stereotypical image of men prancing about in colourful costumes, waving handkerchiefs at each other with bells attached to their knees, isn’t appealing to youngsters who consider the past- time an embarrassing relic.

But North morris dancers claim that just isn’t true and that there is plenty of young blood coming through who will ensure village fetes in years to come will still be able to appreciate a tradition which goes back to the 15th century.

One of the younger generation hoping to ensure the tradition stays alive is James Boyle, who has been dancing since he was a child. He became involved in morris dancing at the age of six. He said: “My father was involved in morris dancing. I began by asking him if I could go along to his training and at first he didn’t let me join in. But the more I asked the more he realised it wasn’t just a childish fad and that I really wanted to learn.”

What keeps James, 20, of Newcastle, involved now is a desire to keep traditions alive as well as the social side to morris dancing.

He explained: “There is a huge social aspect to it. It is great to go out to a pub in the countryside and have a dance and then a drink.

“We always make sure we are going somewhere that sells good beer. I disagree it is in danger of dying out as there is a club I know of who are all under 30.”

The Newcastle University student says that when people discover he is a morris dancer their usual reaction is of interest rather than ridicule. He said: “Some people have a bit of a laugh but most people are genuinely interested in what it involves. I think people who don’t want to do it because they fear people will take the mickey out of them are being paranoid.”

Chris Straughan may only be 12 but he is already an experienced morris dancer.

He said: “I wanted to give it a go. I started when I was about six. I really just enjoy the fun of the dance. It is a lot of fun.”

Chris dances with his grandad Ron Straughan, 65, in the Durham Rams Sword and Morris Men. He says that just because he takes part in morris dancing doesn’t mean he hasn’t time for other activities too.

Chris, of Durham, said: “I do other things including a martial art called Aikido. They have both taught me about positioning my body. To anyone who was thinking about it I would say ‘give it a go’ . . . you don’t know if you will enjoy it until you try.”

Ron said: “Chris is an integral part of the team. There have been times when without him we wouldn’t have been able to fulfil a booking.

“I have been dancing all my life and I am still learning new things. It is something which constantly challenges you.”