Still Folk Dancing

[watervole]

The partner programme to the clog dancing programme is this one - Still Folk Dancing After All these Years

Catch it before it vanishes off the BBC iplayer.

I enjoyed all the programme, but the highlight for me was the footage of the Saddleworth Rushcart.  A fabulous piece of theatre.  Look at the number of people involved in the procession. Hear the sound of the dancers clogs as they step in unison while pulling the cart.  There, immediately, you understand why North West morris was so often performed in clogs.

Now look at some of the hills they take that cart up and down and realise why there are so many men behind the cart - they're the brakes!  That cart is HEAVY.

For those who can't get the iplayer, here's a feel for what the procession looks like




Saddleworth morris also have what are possibly the best decorated hats of any side anywhere.  They always use fresh flowers.



Next summer, I simply must go and see the rushcart procession for myself.  I'm a northener - this is part of my heritage.  It's also the birthplace of the kind of morris that I dance.

Comments

[keris]

But if they're dancing they can't be still folk, they're moving folk *g*...

[reapermum.livejournal.com]

It made me think we ought to go up the road to Abbot's Bromley for the horn dance, we go through King's Bromley often enough.

[exmoor-cat.livejournal.com]

Well worth it. Dad used to drag us along each year with Greater Manchester Morris.

[vjezkova.livejournal.com]

WOw, such a colourful procession! The hats are simply fantastic!

[decemberleaf.livejournal.com]

This is wonderful, and yes, the hats are fantastic. I had to chuckle when I tried to pull up "Still Folkdancing After All These Years" and got the message Not Available in Your Area. Well, OK, I guess I can understand that. Wish I could come to This Area. Your posts such as this one make This Area seem real and comfortable and available, like an invitation to come home.
____________

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Your posts such as this one make This Area seem real and comfortable and available, like an invitation to come home.

What a lovely thing to say! Thank you!