Morris dancing is a form of display dancing — as opposed to social dancing — performed by groups, usually referred to as teams or sides, for others’ entertainment.

Morris dancing’s ultimate origins are unknown; it existed in England by the middle of the 15th century, nearly died out in the 19th century, and revived and spread starting around a hundred years ago.

There are several styles of morris dancing, from the rowdy chaos of border morris to the thundering processions of northwest morris to the powerful spectacle of Cotswold morris.

Generally associated with England, there now are hundreds of morris teams in the UK, the United States, Canada, and elsewhere around the world. That includes a number of sides here in upstate New York.

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Why we do it

Morris dancing is a recreational activity. We do it simply because we enjoy doing it! We’re not professional performers, though we like showing off for an audience.

Joining

All the upstate morris teams welcome new members, whether you’ve ever danced or not. They’ll teach you! Get in touch with your nearby team via the contact information on their website.

Teams

Morris teams in upstate New York include the following. Links are to the teams’ websites.

• B. F. Harridans — Binghamton, Cotswold (women)
• Bassett Street Hounds — Syracuse, border
• Binghamton Morris Men — Binghamton, Cotswold (men)
• Pokingbrook Morris Dancers — Albany, Cotswold
• Snowbelt Morris — Rochester, Cotswold
• Thornden Morris — Syracuse, Cotswold

Not strictly upstate New York, but involving some upstate dancers:

• American Travelling Morrice — No fixed location, Cotswold (men)

Events

Some regular morris dancing events. Performances generally are open to the public and free of charge (though someone might pass a hat; bring cash!) Links are to descriptions and details of these events at the teams’ websites.

• Dog Days Ale (summer, southern Finger Lakes) with the Bassett Street Hounds and guest teams
• Gilbertsville Tour (late April, Gilbertsville, West Edmeston, and Cooperstown) with the Binghamton Morris Men and guest teams from Toronto, Boston, and New York
• Harvest Home Tour (October, Binghamton) with the B. F. Harridans and the Binghamton Morris Men
• Syracuse May Day (May 1, 6:00 am, Thornden Park, Syracuse) with Thornden Morris and the Bassett Street Hounds

Also:

• American Travelling Morrice Tour (summer, no fixed location, but occasionally in upstate New York)

Morris dancers also appear regularly as guests at some other events, including the following. Links are to websites for these events.

• Hudson Valley Garlic Festival (September, Saugerties) with the Binghamton Morris Men and New York City’s Bouwerie Boys Morris Dancers
• Much Ado In the Garden (July, Binghamton) with the B. F. Harridans and the Binghamton Morris Men
• Westcott Street Cultural Fair (September, Syracuse) with the Bassett Street Hounds and Thornden Morris

For other morris dancing performances check the teams’ websites.

More information

For more information about morris dancing and upstate New York sides and events (especially in Syracuse and Binghamton), or if you have information for this page, email rich@richardsholmes.com.