Here’s some exciting news for those of who’ve fancied the idea of Morris dancing but have never quite got around to trying it. The Belchamp Morris will be giving you the chance to try it out and will specifically be teaching members of the public all about dancing the Molly!
Molly dancing is an East Anglian form of traditional dance, not unlike Morris, but with different moves and style.
You may well have come across the Belchamp Morris dancing around the town, and we had a wonderful Morris Dancing Taster session here last February. During January and winter the Belchamp Morris usually switch to Molly dancing, and so in preparation for the coming season, we are holding another taster session but this time they’ll be teaching some Molly moves.
Potential dancers, musicians and curious onlookers are invited to come and join the fun – lack of experience is a positive advantage!
Molly dancing is a type of Morris dancing originally from East Anglia. It was traditionally performed during the Winter on Boxing Day and Plough Monday (the Monday after 6th January). The dancers were agricultural workers or plough boys and had a notorious reputation. The last traditional dancers were seen in Little Downham near Ely in 1933. Thanks to folk dance collectors the dances were saved. There are currently many Molly dancing sides preserving these dances and creating new ones. Belchamp Morris perform the Molly in January in the traditional style.
No need to book, just turn up – FREE to join in!
