Morris
Dance Folk Customs
ALE GIFTS:
Morris dancers usually have a vest, sash or hat (standard to the team kit)
which gets decorated with Ale Gifts. For each event a dancer/ musician attends;
a token/ pin/ charm/ badge is given and worn on the kit for as long as the
member is active with the group. Ale Gifts can be funny, descriptive, symbolic,
sentimental, etc....
FOOL: An special position within the team. The
Fool who interacts with the dancers and audience in a comical way. This
is a honorary position and is usually reserved for the
best/ most experienced dancer of the team. The fool may also wear the kit in an
unusual way (a different hat, or a hat more decorated
than the dancers...).
HOBBY HORSE/ ANIMAL:
A team member who wears an animal costume and interacts with the audience in a
comical way. Hobby animals are commonly horses, but can be any animal/figure.
When appropriate, hobbies can hand out things or solicit donations, but its
main purpose is entertainment.
KIT FOR DANCERS:
Kit is the clothing/uniform that is worn for the performance. Some dancers see this
as a way to “get into character.” While in Kit, remember that you are “on.” Kit
elements are to be worn together and reserved for Morris events only. A dancer
should never be seen in sloppy, worn, ill-fitting Kit. Your Kit will make you
stand out and you are representing the group. Try to keep your Kit
well-maintained. And remember that while wearing your kit in public people may
want to ask you about the team.
KIT FOR MUSICIANS :
Morris musicians have a freedom of what they wear. They do not have to match
the kit of the dancers. Morris musicians may wear anything festive they chose
to wear. Common styles of Morris musician dress relate to working class dress
in Victorian
MAY DAY MORNING:
Around the world on May Day Morning, dancers meet before sunrise to “herald”
the spring with music and dance. This is an ancient traditional that was old in
Shakespeare’s time. Various traditions also include anonymous giving of flowers
before sunrise. Traditionally, young people in a village would spend the last
night of April out doors and away from the town. They would return before
sunrise bearing flowering branches to decorate homes and businesses of the
village.
POST-REVEL:
It is traditional to go out after a performance socially while still in Kit, as
circumstances allow. This is a chance to relax and visit, while being seen as a
group that has fun together. Post-revels usually involve eating and drinking