The Mirkmere Morris photographed in front of the porch of St. Fenella's church, we believe sometime in the early post-war period. This is the only photograph we have of the "old" side before the dances were remembered by the revival side.

The Mirkmere Morris photographed in front of the porch of St. Fenella’s church, we believe sometime in the late pre-war period. This is the only photograph we have of the “old” side before the dances were remembered by the revival side.

Mirkmere is a rather traditional community and one of our most unique traditions is the performance of the old “show” dances  … today we usually call them “Morris” dances because that says something to outsiders about their general style but that is a new name, in the past they were simply “The Dance”.

In the pages associated with this one (see links below and in the main menu bar above) we  give sufficient information so that anyone interested and skilled enough to try to re-create our dances will be able to do so. Feel free, we won’t object – after all what use is a dance that nobody dances? The dances notated here are the remnants of the tradition and although the watching public may easily be persuaded that they are “old” they have, in fact, been remembered only since 1987 and thus may be considered to be one of the “newer” morris traditions. They have all been road-tested at some stage by experienced dancers, often in front of an unsuspecting public and can be guaranteed excellent entertainment for performer and watcher.

In as much as these things are worth considering the copyright is owned by the village. We seek  absolutely no royalties and impose no conditions on the performance of these dances, just so long as everyone has a good time in the process. Should any dancers feel impelled to try them out, however, could we ask that you let us know how you get on with them. Help and assistance in interpretation is only an email away should you need it.

All good dances have their roots in their community, as we all know, and so dancers should read the other pages on this site to discover something about their roots.

Good luck – and do tell us how you get on with the infamous MIRKMERE MORRIS DANCES.

Albert Fuddle II – Perpetual Squire of the Mirkmere Morris and Remembrancer of the Traditionmm-button

  • Introduction
  • Costume
  • Style and Basis Steps
  • Basic Dance Figures
  • Music
  • The Dances
    • Mirkmere Processional Dance
    • Hunting the Rat (a.k.a. The Rat Dance)
    • Down the Drain
    • Fenland Mary
    • Portholme
    • The Muddy Boot Dance
    • The Person from Pidley
    • Good King John
    • The Mirkmere Molly Dance
    • The Old Queen’s a Delight
    • Lost in the Rounds
    • The Earl of Mirkmere’s Jig