The following pages of Welsh Border Morris Dances, do not attempt to get involved in historical argument. I couldn't care less about that. These pages represent a view of how I have seen these dances performed over the last 20 years. They are intended as a learning tool, an aide memoire, or a second opinion. Where I have seen variations, I have included the better ones. It, therefore, is a homogenised view of what I have witnessed, experienced or taught. I'll include references where and when convenient, if I remember what they are.

There are Traditional Border Dances and Contemporary Border Dances. Some Border teams, such as Silurian, only dance what they consider Traditional Dances. Some Border teams, such as Madcaps Progress, only dance Contemporary Dances, in the Border style. Most Border teams dance a bit of both. I shall try eventually to tackle all the dances considered Traditional. Due to the abundance of Contemporary dances, I shall tackle those I have seen, that are worthy of mention..

Currently, over half the Border teams in the UK black up, or in the case of Woad Works, blue up. Generally, tatters, rag coats or black dress coats are popular, with bowler, top or no hats. Sticks are usually green wood. Many Cotswold teams perform one Border dance, such as Kinnerton Morris Men (Upton Stick), a few Border dances, such as Eryri Morris Dancers, or a lot of Border. Some Cotswold teams, such as East Suffolk Morris Men and Hammersmith Morris Men, perform Border and Mumming in the period leading up to Christmas.

Just so I dont have to repeat myself later, I make no apology that these dances are not the way that you, your team, your aunty, or someone who is dead, do/did them However, I do expect to include unintentional errors, so would be grateful if you could promptly put me right. I won't take offence. Bastard!

So grab your mouse and click on your preferred style, and I'll whisk you away to the land that time wanted to forget

Dance