Northwest Folklife

Morris Dance Showcase

Saturday, May 23, 4:20 - 6:00 pm

Mural Amphitheatre

The origins of Morris dancing are documented back to Shakespeare’s time, but many believe it is an evolution of European pagan ritual dances. Most people associate Morris dancing with the sunrise ritual of May Day, when dancers gather early in the morning to greet the sun so that summer may arrive.

Performing at Folklife for 25 years and hailing from British Columbia, Seattle and Portland, Morris dancers will demonstrate Cotswold Morris dancing, performed with bells strapped to the dancers’ legs with sticks or handkerchiefs carried in their hands; Border Morris, performed in rag coats by dancers with coal dust on their face; Garland Morris, danced by women carrying floral bowers; Northwest Morris, in which dancers wear clogs and Rapper, in which dancers weave patterns with short, bendable swords. We hope our dancing brings to you the traditional gifts of good fortune and fertility!

Join Vancouver Morris Men after the Morris Dance Showcase in the Mural Beer Garden for a traditional pub session singalong.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Here's what's coming up:

August 21: Family Days - West African 1-3PM at the EMP - FREE
November 13: 2nd Annual A Night for Folklife, a benefit for Northwest Folklife

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