Folk Information - Morris and Folk Dance |
These pages are shared between FlaxeyGreen and Whats Afoot If you have ever wanted to give Morris dancing a go - the autumn is the best time to contact your local side as this is when the practice season begins. |
Alive & Kicking are based in Exeter, Devon. The group was formed in 1989 and perform music and dance from the Appalachian Mountain region of the United States. Based on the traditional steps of Appalachian clogging, Alive & Kicking have developed their own distinctive and exciting style of Appalachian clog dance, using dances choreographed by members of the team. Telephone: Julie Page 07815 966838 |
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Beltane Border were formed 7 years ago in Stokeinteignhead, Devon and are a mixed Morris team dancing their interpretation of Border Morris. Beltane is the Celtic name for May Day. Although performing a couple of traditional dances most of their repertoire has been created especially for them with strong influences from the ancient standing stones and stone circles of Dartmoor. Beltane can be recognised by their dominantly black tatter coats, blackened faces (for disguise) and top hats. The women also wear short black skirts and fishnet tights, while the men wear black jeans." They always welcome new members especially men. Anyone interested are welcome to contact Maddy - telephone. 01626 208116. They practice at the Village Hall, Chudleigh Knighton early October to Easter, and dance out at pubs across South Devon and festivals further afield during the summer. Telephone: Jackie Mucklow 01803 866832 |
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Bideford Phoenix is a mixed morris side, based in Bideford, North Devon. We dance both Cotswold and Border traditions. We welcome anyone who would like to join us, whether you have experience of morris dancing or are a complete beginner who isn’t sure if morris dancing is for you but would like to give it a try! We practise every Wednesday evening at the Baptist Church Hall, Bideford from September to April and dance out throughout the summer. We are a friendly bunch (we think!), so if you would like to come along or would like more information please telephone: |
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Blackawton Morris |
North-West (mostly) mixed Morris dance team. Practice from September to April and dance out May - August. Meet Monday 8pm at Blackawton School. Telephone: Chris Janman 01803 712362 |
Black Bess Border is a womens border side based in Kingskerswell, S. Devon, & was was formed in 1997. The kit is based on the Highway man look consisting of black tricorn hat, mask, white blouse, white cravat, red tatter jacket, black breeches, white socks & black boots. The style of dance is Border which originated in the borders of Shropshire & Wales. Telephone: Jayne Thomas 01626366844 or  email |
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Bladder Stick Morris is a team based in Plymouth. Since forming, our team has become a well rehearsed unit, using contemporary elements in order to make the more traditional aspects of morris dancing entertaining and (dare we say it?) glamorous to the audience, without undermining these customs. This year we have made some real progress in choreographing new dances that are in keeping with British folk traditions. We are proud to have struck a good balance between traditional and contemporary folk dancing, which aims to be as focused and professional as possible. We have a striking green and black costume and perform a number of "Hanky" and "Stick" dances, as well as some entertaining chants and songs. We are a serious 'folk' team, meaning that we are a congregation of folk who gather together to ritualistically declare our allegiance to carefully contrived 'traditions'. We practice every Sunday from 3pm at the Chestnut Tree Cafe at Plymouth Barbican. We are a mixed team and have a very talented mix of both dancers and musicians from very diverse backgrounds, and are always on the look out to keep evolving, so if you would like to join our team please turn up to a practice or event and introduce yourself. Telephone: Dan Petley 07773268069 or email |
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Mixed border side based in Barnstaple. Telephone: Tony Whitson 01271 321431 email |
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Bradninch Miller's dance practice every Friday 8 till 10 - The White Lion. Bradninch Mixed side dancing a range of dances including; Cotswold, Border,Molly and Bradninch's own Miller's Broom Dance Ian Bloomfield, 6, West End Road, Bradninch, EX5 4QW or email |
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Cat's Eye Morris were formed in 2005 to dance border Morris in their own style. They are an adult mixed side, and practice in Tideford (between Plymouth and Liskeard) on a Tuesday night. The kit is a bit unusual, including differently coloured shirts and long black split waistcoats. Cat's Eye welcome new members to dance with them. If you are interested in joining, or to enquire about booking the side for your event - email |
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Cogs & Wheels Ladies Morris were formed in 1995. We take our inspiration from Finch Foundry in Sticklepath and the surrounding Dartmoor landscape. Our costumes reflect the hues of the moor and our Beldames style of dancing is quite distinctive. We perform a wide variety of dances from several traditions — mostly Cotswold, with some Border and some our own. The origins of Morris dancing are often disputed but even Henry VIII married six times to get a Morris side together! The traditions have survived many centuries having been rediscovered by Cecil Sharp at the turn of the last Century. Telephone: Alexa Mason 01647 277498 or email |
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From Adderbury to Winster (not quite A to Z) but close enough! Since the early days of Dartington Hall (1968), the side has taken an interest in a very wide variety of the Cotswold traditions, occasionally straying to Upton upon Severn in the Border region, to Lichfield (Staffs) in the Midlands and to Badby, Brackley and Hinton in the East. Contact: Iain Davison email |
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Dartmoor Border Morris perform traditional border dances from the English/Welsh borders.
The side is a family based, with ages ranging from 2 to 82! A seasonal mummers play has also become a firm favourite. We practice (yep, it`s hard to believe) from October to April in Meavy village hall (Near Yelverton) from 8pm, followed by music in the Walkhampton Inn. New musicians of any acoustic background & on any level of competence are always welcome! From May to September we dance at numerous Dartmoor pub’s & attend local Fetes & festivals. You can follow our progress on our website If you would like to contact us telephone: Tregie 01752 299700 or visit website |
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The oldest established side in Devon, formed in 1951. In our black top hats and distinctive green waistcoats we are a familiar sight in villages and seaside resorts of South & East Devon during the summer months. We are proud of our reputation for our high standard of dancing Cotswold Morris, and we have represented the UK at festivals in France, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Finland, Denmark, Holland, Germany and the USA, as well as appearing at major folk festivals in Britain. Telephone: Mike Painter 01392 426743 email |
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Mixed Border side based at West Down, nr Ilfracombe, North Devon. Wednesday nights practice nights 7.30 - 9.30 Telephone - Sue White 01237 451261 - email |
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Formed in 1996 FireStone is now one of the premier teams in Britain. Performing a mixture of percussive dance styles centred around the Appalachian and Irish dance traditions, FireStone are lively, colourful and loud. FireStone love to perform, and have done so at many folk festivals across the country - including Sidmouth festival. They come with their own stage, p.a. and band - just needing flat ground and a power socket to perform! FireStone is without doubt the largest group of its kind in the UK. There are 6 distinct groupings within the FireStone banner - adult beginners, adult intermediate, adult team, youth beginners, youth intermediate, youth team, - all adding up to over 50 dancers. We teach the varying different styles from the very beginning at our classes in Exeter on a Wednesday evening, and take people from 6 to 70. All you need is a willingness to learn. Telephone: Richard Mason on 01392 411434 or email |
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Glory of the West is a women's Cotswold Morris side based in the City of Exeter. We are a group of women from various walks of life drawn together by a love of dance, traditional music, and chocolate. We meet once a week, along with our talented musicians (who are not necessarily women), to chat, dance, gossip, dance, drink, dance, eat chocolate, dance, have fun and dance. Glory of the West was founded in 1976 at Exeter University. Telephone: Carol Mantell 7QR 01647 252740 |
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"Great Western are a nationally-renowned Cotswold Morris team, based in Exeter, Devon. Great Western likes to put on a good show of 'Performance Morris'; dancing with character, audience contact, and a high entertainment value. They don't take it too seriously!" Telephone: Duncan Moss 01626 354 705. |
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Ladies Garland/North West Side. Telephone: Sue Fildes 07768625333 |
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Grimspound dances the Welsh Border style of Morris dancing. It is a vigorous style danced with sticks (no hankies!) Grimspound is a male only team although broadminded female musicians are welcome. We practice in the winter and dance out in the summer both locally and travelling to Folk and Morris festivals around the country. We meet on Mondays at 8pm Sept to April, and at various venues during the summer. The membership fee is £10 p.a. Male dancers over 10 years old are welcome plus musicians of either sex. Telephone: Martin Gosling 01626 214733 or email |
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Harberton Navy was formed in 1995, and is a mixed side dancing Cotswold. Telephone: Nonnie Duncan 01803 867650 |
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Founded in 1984, Heather and Gorse Clog Dancers are a ladies only dancing side (but we do have male musicians!) based near Newton Abbot, Devon. We dance mainly North West Morris dances with the occasional Cotswold dance thrown in. Our main aim is to enjoy ourselves, but we also hope that we provide entertainment for others. Telephone: Jenny Gill, 01626 779795 |
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Ladies North West Clog Morris, Formed approx 1980 - Women clog-dancers who - supported by our musical backers - perform a variety of traditional Morris dances from the North West of England (although we do dance some from other parts of the Country). Telephone: Janet Ellis 01271 342351 |
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Imbolc Bedlam Border Morris - a brand new mixed border morris side based in the Teign Valley. We aim to bring a fresh, dynamic style to the world of Morris and are looking for men and women dancers and musicians to join the creative process. Visit our website to see where we're performing this summer. We will be practicing every Wednesday night at Hennock Village Hall from October to May. Pease contact 07773 403422 or eMail. |
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Lodestone is a Border Morris Side that formed in September 2004. We are an adult mixed side who dance in tatter coats and dance with energy and attitude. |
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Irish Set Dancing is the traditional form of social dancing in Ireland which is much loved by today's dancers. Here in Exeter (Devon), it is as popular as ever. We would be delighted to see you if you would like to join us at any time. Just drop in whenever you feel like it or call in if you are in the area. |
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The much acclaimed Newton Bushel Morris are a Cotswold side and we meet every Thursday at 8pm. During the season, we dance out around Torquay, Newton Abbot and the South Devon area. Winter practice is held in Kingskerswell. We are a mixed side who welcome anyone over 16 who would be proud to maintain this great English cultural tradition. No prior experience needed, we will teach you all you need to know! For more details, see our website or look up "Newton Bushel Morris" on facebook, or telephone: Little John 01626 356616. |
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The Plymouth Maids were formed in 1980 and are still going strong. Dancing in the North-West clog Morris tradition, they perform dances from that tradition and dances composed by team members past and present. The Maids are always happy to welcome new members; we practice from late September to May at the City Bus Social Club, Alma Road, Plymouth. An open evening for anyone interested in joining us is held towards the end of September." Telephone: Shirley Ingram on 01752 407676 or email |
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Plymouth Morris men are members of the Morris Ring and perform mostly Cotswold traditions but also dances from Plymouth, including the use of cutlasses. We welcome any new dancers or musicians. We practice on Wednesday nights at City Bus Social Club, Milehouse, from 8pm until 10pm from October to the end of April. Bagman for Plymouth Morris men - Andy King 01752 300758 |
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Based in Porthleven, Cornwall and formed in Autumn 2006. email |
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We are arguably Exeter's jolliest Clog Morris side, just bring your sense of humour along and listen! Our members are drawn from across Devon, keen to enjoy the fun and frolics of our mixed side. There is a serious side though, when we practice at Ide Village hall under the careful guidance of Annie on Tuesday evenings between October and May. Our music is provided by an ever growing band led by Robin (Accordion and band leader), Barry (Bass Drum and anchor man), Dave (Snare drum and heavy anchor man - when you see him you'll know!), Brian, Warwick, David, and Ali. Telephone Triss Cummings - 01626 367173 |
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Rough Diamond (Appalachian Cloggers) are Based in Axminster, East Devon we regularly perform throughout South Somerset and West Dorset as well. "Rough Diamond" are an energetic and vibrant Appalachian Clogging team based in the SW of England specialising in both traditional greengrass and cutting edge contemporary dance routines straight from the US. We meet every Wednesday evening, from 7:30 to 10pm, in the Drama Club building behind Axminster Guildhall; new members are always welcome. Contact Marion at 01460220607 or visit our FaceBook page for more information. email |
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Saffron Maids are a North West Morris Clog and Garland Dance team of 15 years standing who practice throughout the year on Wednesdays in the upstairs of “Coffee Corner”, Wadebridge Cornwall located just past the cinema. We practice from 7.30 p.m. on Wednesdays - you will find us welcoming anyone 16 years and over who would like to ‘give it a go’ or to just watch and see if it appeals. Yvonne 01208 850776 or Janet 01637 880394 |
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Shuffle the Deck were formed in 1995 & are based at Harbertonford near Totnes, where they practice on Wednesdays in the village hall. Using traditional steps brought over by American groups, the dancers provide a vibrant percussive accompaniment to authentic Old Time music played by their band, the Coffin Dodgers, on banjo, fiddle & guitar. They have performed at festivals, local fetes & in the coastal towns of Brixham, Dartmouth & Plymouth. Telephone: Jenny Draper 01364 643320 |
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Sidmouth Steppers ladies North West Morris was formed in 1998 following the 45th Sidmouth International Folk Festival. Most of the dances that the Sidmouth Steppers perform originated in the North of England and were performed by mill workers at holiday festivals and in processions. We practice each Tuesday evening at the Guide Hut in Sidmouth. Telephone: Liz Clode 01395 513389 or email |
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We meet every Monday night throughout the winter at Trinity Church Hall, Taunton at 8.00pm. and from Easter onwards we dance in local villages, at fetes and Folk Festivals. All are welcome to join as musicians although dancers are ladies only. Our repertoire includes North West Team dances, Clog stepping, and a collection of dances from around the British Isles which we call "soft shoe" dances email |
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Tarka Morris Men are based in Bideford, North Devon - they have their own dance style based on the Cotswold tradition. Practice night is Tuesdays through the winter months. Daemon Billing email |
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Tatters Border Morris, based in Redruth, Cornwall. We dance Border and Rapper and meet in Christ Church, Lanner every Thursday evening at 7.30. New dancers, musicians welcome anytime! Telephone: Chris Bevington 01209 821188 |
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Tinners Morris Men is based in South Zeal, Devon and is named after the Dartmoor tin industry. Telephone: Mike Palmer 01647 433464 |
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Trigg Morris men perform dances of the "Cotswold" style, and have concentrated on the Traditions, (or Collections), from the villages of Bucknell, Fieldtown, (now Leafield), and Stanton Harcourt, all in Oxfordshire. Telephone: Roger Hancock, 01208 73907 |
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Tudor Dance Group |
Originally started in 1985 and based in Exeter the aim of the Tudor Dance Group is to promote 16th century dance. Telephone: Elizabeth Thurgood 01404 831512 |
Uplyme Morris Men based in Devon perform dances from the Cotswold tradition. Telephone: Timothy Fox 01297 443072 |
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Lively mixed side, based just north of Dartmoor. Repertoire includes both Cotswold & border style, and several of our own dances. They have performed at festivals in France Holland and Ireland as well as at festivals in the UK. Telephone: Sue Hamer-Moss, 01805 601323 or Colin Andrews 01363 877216 |
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Bovey Tracey Mummers |
Telephone - Rod Wilkins 01803 812581 |
Kings Arms Pace Egg and Mummers |
Dave Denford, The Cottage, Ramsley, South Zeal, EX10 2LD |
North Devon Mummers |
Telephone - Francis and Barbara Verdigi 01271 813843 |
Sidmouth Traditional Mummers |
email or Telephone: Henry Piper 01404 811491 |
Irish Set Dance |
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Irish Set Dancing Classes every Wednesday evening 8.00 - 10.00pm at The Bradley Suite, Jolly Farmer Pub, Market Street, Newton Abbot. More information contact Maggie Daniel Telephone 01626 204350 or email |
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