Merrydowners Morris having performed a successful “Beaux of London City” dance at the Wimborne Festival in June 2023.
Merrydowners Morris are a friendly and mixed (women and men) side who dance for the joy of keeping the tradition going, entertaining the audience, performing at special events
Morris dancing is a fantastic and often overlooked or ridiculed pastime which offers exercise, a welcoming social scene, and a deep link to history. Come along to one of our practice sessions to try it for the fitness, the friendship, and the fun.
Morris dancing gives your body and mind a powerful workout. The steps involve skipping, hopping, and leaping/capering. It is much more engaging than staring at a gym wall. You also challenge your brain by tracking what can sometimes be complex choreography, memorizing patterns, and moving in sync with your group. The Merrydowners Morris give an emphasis on trying your best but not worrying too much when things go wrong.
Beyond the health perks, joining a local team—known as a “side”—connects you with wonderfully friendly people. The activity strips away stress and pretense, replacing daily work pressure with laughter, music, and shared events. Whether you are performing a hankie or or a stick dance, Morris is a joyful way to step outside your comfort zone.
Come along and watch us, join in and have a go, what could possibly go wrong?
Merrydowners Morris 