Fitness………………. this is an activity which requires effort. The image of a fat slob Morris dancer is not typical. A couple of hours a week of practice indoors during the Winter sets us up for dancing out in the Summer.
Practice, through the winter(October until end of April) in Yateley Manor School Drama Hall from 8pm till 10pm and then ‘dance out’ in the Summer starting with dancing at dawn on 1st May.
No membership fees…………. you only pay for your own beer and travel. All money collected (known as the ‘bag’) mostly goes to paying the hire costs of the practice hall.
Minimal outlay, most of the kit is supplied except hankies, britches and shirt. Ultimately you will have to acquire a top hat and bells but these can be loaned in the short term.
Non competitive, no scoring points over other sides, no scoring points over each other within the side…………we just enjoy the dancing.
How long will it take, we learn new dances every year and drop some of the old ones. Some of us may have danced for years but we’re all still learning.
Travel ………………..Yes we often dance at pubs on a Tuesday night however we also dance at weddings, fetes, Breweries, corporate events and for free in sheltered accommodation…………….checking out prospective locations as we get older.
Beer……………..Most of us like a good beer however Lager drinkers can be accepted into the Morris……………..and in due course likely cured of their affliction.
History of the Morris, Yateley Morris Men have been dancing since 1975.The origins of Morris dancing are uncertain however it can be traced back to the 17th Century and was nationally revived in the early 1900’s
And especially we have fun. A disparate group of guys from all walks of life, backgrounds and even other nationalities (Scottish and German thus far.)
Make contact if you fancy having a go or want some more info…
YATELEY MORRIS MEN 