Edmonton Magpie Morris Dancers
Founded in 2013, is the only Morris team in Alberta, succeeding Shepherds' Eh! Morris (founded in 1981). They dance every year at dawn on May first at the Gazebo in Old Strathcona, to celebrate the ancient springtime festival of Beltane. Come for some fun, dance, and traditional cake.
No experience needed - just energy, enthusiasm, and a desire to have fun.
All feet are welcome, even two left ones.
Low impact options
We welcome musicians too.
CONTACT:
Edmonton Magpie Morris Dancers/facebook.com
Morris dance, which has existed in England for many centuries, is thought to be part of a worldwide family of ritual or ceremonial dances which share common features of coulour, vigour, disguise, and dance forms based on circles and processions. The earliest written record of this dance in England is from the middle of the 15 centurey, but many scholars believe it originated with pre-Christian fertility rites for the soil and crops.
A team of "side" of Morris dancers usually consists of 6-8 dancers, one or more musicians and often a fool or animal character. Traditionally the evergetic dancing and music are meant to shake off the dark and gloom of winter and celebrate the coming of spring. Now, Morris dancing is a year-round activity.
English Country Dancing