Northwest Folklife

Morris Dance Showcase

Saturday, May 23, 4:20 - 6:00 pm

Mural Amphitheatre

The origins of Morris dancing are documented back to Shakespeare’s time, but many believe it is an evolution of European pagan ritual dances. Most people associate Morris dancing with the sunrise ritual of May Day, when dancers gather early in the morning to greet the sun so that summer may arrive.

Performing at Folklife for 25 years and hailing from British Columbia, Seattle and Portland, Morris dancers will demonstrate Cotswold Morris dancing, performed with bells strapped to the dancers’ legs with sticks or handkerchiefs carried in their hands; Border Morris, performed in rag coats by dancers with coal dust on their face; Garland Morris, danced by women carrying floral bowers; Northwest Morris, in which dancers wear clogs and Rapper, in which dancers weave patterns with short, bendable swords. We hope our dancing brings to you the traditional gifts of good fortune and fertility!

Join Vancouver Morris Men after the Morris Dance Showcase in the Mural Beer Garden for a traditional pub session singalong.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Volunteer Applications Online Now!

Here's what's coming up:

February 13, 20, 27 and March 6: 9th Annual Sound Off! All-Ages Music Competition at EMP|SFM, sponsored by Northwest Folklife
March 11, 7:30PM: 5th Annual Contra Marathon at the Lake City Community Center (12531 28th Ave NE), a benefit for Northwest Folklife
March 13, 7:30PM-11:00PM: Northwest Folk Dancers Incorporated at Cedar Valley Grange (20526 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood, WA), a benefit for Northwest Folklife
March 19, 7:30: Birth DIY Fest at the VERA Project, sponsored by Northwest Folklife
March 20, 2:00PM-4:00PM: Accordi-O-Rama III at Town Hall, presented by Town Hall Seattle and Northwest Folklife
March 21: Folklife Presents at the Tractor Tavern - featuring Clinton Fearon!
April 23: Folklife Masters featuring Kane Mathis and Mirah at Empty Sea Studios
May 28-31: The 39th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival at Seattle Center
November 13: 2nd Annual A Night for Folklife, a benefit for Northwest Folklife

This calendar is reserved for events hosted, presented, or sponsored by Northwest Folklife or events that benefit our organization. To post community events please visit our Forums.