Dance Display – Salisbury – 19th Nov 2016

Sarum Morris

Sarum Morris was formed as a mixed, Cotswold Morris side in 1982, and we still boast a few of the founder members, although most of us joined much more recently. We are very active, with occasional trips abroad, including Canada, Sweden, Finland, Ireland and France (and sometimes Dorset). We regularly attend large festivals; and innumerable weekends/days of dance, pub sessions and fetes. A typical summer involves 25-35 separate events.

We usually perform our own version of a Mummers play (loosely based on the Quidhampton Play) during the winter.

Whilst Salisbury is not the first place most people think about when considering the origins of Morris Dancing, there is written evidence of dancing in Whitsun week in 1477 at St Edmund’s, St Thomas’ and St Martin’s. There were 4 teams – married women / servants / girls / boys. A very early reference to women dancing. We are carrying on an ancient and proud tradition.

Cornucopia

Cornucopia are an Appalachian Dance Group performing to a variety of American, Irish and British Folk music.  They are based in Grove, Oxfordshire.  The dance becomes part of the music as the sound of the dancer’s feet creates a driving rhythmic background to the old-time American tunes.  They were filmed with Ellie Harrison for Country Tracks in 2010 at The King Alfred’s Head in Wantage and perform at a number of Folk Festivals throughout the summer.  You can look up their program here on their website.