Morris in the making

Meet the dancers keeping Sheffield's vibrant folk scene alive


A little bit of folklore that lives on in almost every village, morris dancing is one of Britain's more curious customs. It is a staple of our summer and no country fete would be complete without its soundtrack of tinkling bells, clashing sticks and a symphony of accordions. Although we may not know much about them, their distinct attire and charming enthusiasm for all things folk make morris men and women easy to spot.

But, morris dancing has taken a beating in recent years and reputation may suggest that the tradition is starting to go a bit stale. In just the last decade, morris dancing has faced a reported membership crisis as well as a backlash over the use of black facepaint.

The situation in Sheffield, however, may be a beacon of hope to those concerned about the loss of, arguably, Britain’s most marmite custom.

There are plenty of groups in the steel city proving that morris dancing is much more than a bunch of blokes with bells on.

Often hailed as the folk capital of the North, Sheffield is home to dancers of most styles and all ages and holds events throughout the summer celebrating the thriving scene. Groups are abundant in comparison to much of the rest of the country, with new teams starting up and many older teams still growing in numbers.

More than dancing

Photo taken by Fionnula Hainey

Five Rivers Morris are one of Sheffield's newer sides. Set up in 2008 by a group of university students, they are a relatively youthful team with an average age of mid-thirties and a steady trickle of student newbies.

But, the dancing is not the only draw for the men of Five Rivers. Weekly practices finish off in the pub and their summer calendars are filled with weekend trips to various festivals and events.

"It can be more like an away day for football"

James Merrylees, 31, is preparing for his fifth summer with the team after joining in 2012 in search of new friends and a new challenge.

The group's trips sometimes feel like a football away day with everyone drinking beer on a train at 8:30am, according to James. "People have this idea of it all being very twee, but we’re not. It’s very much about the beer and social side as well," he said.

Despite the high number of sides, you would be hard-pressed to find any sort of rivalry amongst the dancers. The different groups will often drink, dance and travel together. The scene is decidedly both diverse and welcoming which is an encouraging sign for the most recent recruits.

Why Sheffield?

Photo used with permission from Five Rivers Morris

The student population are certainly helping the tradition's progress. The city's two universities, which bring in people from all over the UK, are home to several folk-inspired societies, Sheffield University Morris being the most recent.

But how has Sheffield managed to keep the tradition not only surviving but evolving too?

Jess Arrowsmith started Pecsaetan, an all-female Cotswold team, in 2001 with a group of friends. 

She said: "I think it is a critical mass thing - once an area is perceived as good for a particular sort of minority hobby, people choose to move there to be part of it."

And that sentiment is echoed by a number of groups.

Seonaid Beaumont, 24, targeted Sheffield during her job search so that she could join Boggarts Breakfast, a morris team that had inspired her five years previously at a folk festival.

She suggests that part of Sheffield’s popularity lies in the quality of some groups.

"Because Sheffield has so many teams, the standards of many are very high. Boggarts Breakfast really push you to do well and are very detail orientated. As well as being a lot of fun everyone really cares about the team," she said.

Jono Millward, the Squire of Harthill Morris, has his own theory, taking into account another of Sheffield's appealing assets - its wealth of green spaces. 

"It's a generalisation, but a lot of members of morris sides also seem to have an affinity with nature - like gardening, outdoor pursuits - which would point to Sheffield and the surrounding countryside being an attractive place to them."

Standing out

One team's appeal could lie in its commitment to being creative. 

With their dazzling blue make up, sequin adorned rags and a personalised top hat each, Boggarts Breakfast certainly take pride in their appearance. Their twist on a traditional border morris costume gives a nod to Sheffield's steel industry whilst also side-stepping the debates some teams have over 'black face'. 

As one of the largest folk dance groups in Sheffield, boasting a membership of around 40 dancers and 15 musicians, they also have the widest age range.

There is an added element of theatre in what Boggarts Breakfast do, having developed their dances with inspiration from other countries and cultures. Referred to by one member as 'Border version 2.0', their choreography is collaborative, thoughtful and unique. 

Sue Cain, 44, who now drums for the group, believes Boggarts Breakfast have an identity that captures the groups' imagination whilst still expressing the traditions of border morris. 

An evolving tradition

Photo used with permission from Five Rivers Morris

Whilst Sheffield serves as an example of one place morris looks set to stick around, the same can not be said for everywhere and the majority of groups in the city are aware of the need for active promotion.

But younger dancers, new sides and a willingness to keep adapting the tradition is certainly helping the cause.

"Traditions need to evolve to stay alive"

Kath Burgin, foreperson of the Northwest clog dancing side Yorkshire Chandelier believes change is vital to survival. "Traditions need to evolve to stay alive – morris dancing will die out if it doesn't adapt a bit," she said.

But for now, folk dance remains well represented in Sheffield. Dancers celebrate the tradition as a way of bringing people together, keeping fit and trying something slightly out of the ordinary.

Morris dancing has been turning heads and providing unpredictable entertainment for centuries - and perhaps there will be more to come after all.