Morris Dancers from Oxford enjoyed a day in London to celebrate the 90th anniversary of a group keeping traditional activities alive.
Both Oxford University and Oxford City Morris dancers attended a Day of Dance event on Sunday (October 20) to celebrate the Morris Ring, an association of 180 Morris, sword and mummer clubs.
Oxford University Morris was one of six founding sides present at the group’s founding event in 1934.
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They dance traditional “Cotswold” Morris Dances, including examples from Bampton and Headington Quarry, in Oxfordshire, and from neighbouring counties.
PICTURED: Celebrating the Day of Dance with music, dancing and traditional costumes (Image: Oxford Morris Dancers) The groups danced outside various pubs in Camden before congregating at the English Folk Dance Society headquarters, Cecil Sharp House in Regents Park, for a talk from the Squire of the Morris Ring.
The other founding Morris sides who also attended the event were Cambridge, Thaxted, East Surrey, Greensleeves and Letchworth.
The Oxford dancers said it had been good to meet the members of the other founding clubs and share their repertoires of dances with each other.
The popularity of folk dancing has survived in the Cotswolds since the 15th century thanks to the enthusiasm of the Morris dancers.
Oxford University and Oxford City Morris, founded in 1926 and 1938 respectively, are mixed sides groups who hold joint practice sessions most Wednesday evenings at Jericho Community Centre. More information is available online at https://ocmm.greenius.org/.
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