Boston's New Gender-inclusive Cotswold Morris Team
Mystic Valley Morris
Exploring the creative future of Cotswold morris dancing.
See what we're up to next →What we do
Morris dancing, creatively done
Mystic Vallye Morris is a Cotswold-style Morris side dancing traditional English folk dances at folk festivals, city fetes, and pub gardens across the region. We dance with bells on our shins, sticks in our hands, and — depending on the dance — a handkerchief or two.
We are a collective of dancers/musicians/artists who are striving to create an invlusive adult space full of creative expression and community.
The Side
Who's dancing
A quick word on kit, roles, and the people who make the noise.
The Squire
Leads the side, and keeps everyone roughly in time.
The Foreperson/Practice Lead
Teaches new dances, runs practice night and calls the dances.
The Creative Lead
In charge of the costume and puppet design. Keeps the crowd back, keeps the mood up, and is allowed to break every rule the rest of us follow. Currently held by Fiona Rogers.
The Musicians
Fiddle, cello, and a melodeon when someone remembers it. They set the pace and carry the dancers, musically.
The Dancers
The side itself. Dance in sets of six or eight or twelve or ..., keeping the figures tight and the sticks or hankies in time with whoever's next to them.
The Puppeteers
Our processional dancing beasts. An owl, a horse, and a luna moss lead the way, lurk at the edge of a set greeting the audiences. ...
Our kit: red tunic, black shirt, black breeches, purple socks, bell pads, rainbow ribbons, and a flower crown.
Practice and Dance-Out Schedule
Where to find us
Regualr practice is every Monday, 7:30pm, at TBD. Open practice and public dance-outs below — turn up, we're happy to have an audience.
- Oct (TBD) Open Practice (TBD) Practice
No experience needed
Fancy giving it a go?
We teach from scratch. Come to our open practice, bring a pair of sneakers or comfortable shoes and a willingness to look silly for the first few weeks.
@mysticvalleymorris on Instagram mysticvalleymorris@gmail.com