About Us
We were formed in Vancouver BC Canada in 1982 to maintain English folk traditions, specifically the Morris, locally. We were incorporated as a non-profit society in August 1989.
During the 1980s, we focused on the South Midlands morris, commonly referred to as Cotswold morris (after the Cotswold Hills, which run through the South Midland counties). By the mid 80s we'd incorporated folk song into our repertoire, while in the early 90s we expanded our dance styles to include Welsh Border morris (from the border area between England and Wales) and Molly dancing (from East Anglia). Also in the 90s, we added our first mummers play (a form of folk theatre). During the 90s we also performed Northwest morris (primarily from Lancashire) for a number of years - however, this is not included in our current repertoire. We started performing the Thaxted version of the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance (a unique dance from Abbots Bromley, Staffs.) in 2010.
We have danced throughout the Lower Mainland and have often ventured further afield: we have toured the Okanagan, the Gulf Islands and three times to England.
We use our performances to celebrate the changing of the seasons throughout the year. The Spring and Summer are the seasons when we perform South Midlands morris, while Welsh Border morris and Molly are performed during the Autumn (Fall) and Winter. Most of our mummers plays are performed at the appropriate traditional seasonal time - however, we have one, modern play which we perform year round.
We sometimes incorporate seasonal songs into our performances, and we certainly sing them at the pub afterwards!
The Morris is essentially a public performance - as such, we commonly dance it on the streets, in parks, often in the vicinity of good pubs. However, we also perform at folk festivals, community events and private functions. We are available for hire, all proceeds therefrom going to sustain the society under its mandate as a non-profit organization.
In addition to this website, you can find out more about the Vancouver Morris Men by referring to our Facebook page here.
We were formed in Vancouver BC Canada in 1982 to maintain English folk traditions, specifically the Morris, locally. We were incorporated as a non-profit society in August 1989.
During the 1980s, we focused on the South Midlands morris, commonly referred to as Cotswold morris (after the Cotswold Hills, which run through the South Midland counties). By the mid 80s we'd incorporated folk song into our repertoire, while in the early 90s we expanded our dance styles to include Welsh Border morris (from the border area between England and Wales) and Molly dancing (from East Anglia). Also in the 90s, we added our first mummers play (a form of folk theatre). During the 90s we also performed Northwest morris (primarily from Lancashire) for a number of years - however, this is not included in our current repertoire. We started performing the Thaxted version of the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance (a unique dance from Abbots Bromley, Staffs.) in 2010.
We have danced throughout the Lower Mainland and have often ventured further afield: we have toured the Okanagan, the Gulf Islands and three times to England.
We use our performances to celebrate the changing of the seasons throughout the year. The Spring and Summer are the seasons when we perform South Midlands morris, while Welsh Border morris and Molly are performed during the Autumn (Fall) and Winter. Most of our mummers plays are performed at the appropriate traditional seasonal time - however, we have one, modern play which we perform year round.
We sometimes incorporate seasonal songs into our performances, and we certainly sing them at the pub afterwards!
The Morris is essentially a public performance - as such, we commonly dance it on the streets, in parks, often in the vicinity of good pubs. However, we also perform at folk festivals, community events and private functions. We are available for hire, all proceeds therefrom going to sustain the society under its mandate as a non-profit organization.
In addition to this website, you can find out more about the Vancouver Morris Men by referring to our Facebook page here.