Dance Teams
Ryburn (Longsword Mixed)
Our local team from Ripponden, Ryburn have been dancing in the Yorkshire Longsword style since 1994. Evidence suggests that similar dances were being performed only a few miles from Ripponden in the 18th and 19th centuries. They have established quite a reputation amongst the sword dance fraternity for their range of traditional and original figures, which includes a six-sword lock representing the design of the Rushcart's triangle.
400 Roses (Belly Dance)
Last year the comely ladies of 400 Roses, the tribal-fusion belly dancers, asked if they could be part of the Rushbearing. Hardly had the dust settled after the event when they asked us "can we come again?" - and we said "of course you can!" Although not part of the actual procession make sure that you do not miss their amazing undulations.
Knots of May (North West Ladies)
The Knots of May are a woman's Morris team formed in the Autumn of 1974 in Brighton. From the first, a conscious decision was made to ensure the style of the team would be different from the predominantly male sides. It was decided to concentrate on the dance traditions from the North West of England rather than Cotswold Morris.
The first dances in the repertoire were clog dances from Lancashire - look out for the traditional Lancashire clogs that are worn - and shoe dances from Cheshire, performed with garlands or sticks. Since the early years in Brighton, both the team and the repertoire have become drawn from much further afield. Traditional English dances still make up half of the current repertoire, but they have been augmented by other European dances from France, Flanders and Spain.
Wakefield Morris (North West Mixed)
Wakefield Morris are a mixed side comprising dancers from two older teams, The Horberie Shrogys and Ring O'Belles. For some years the two teams danced as two separate entities, although a mixed set would form part of the regular display. But as time went by the numbers of men in the side reduced and the appearance of a Shrogys side became a rarity. The team's appearances now featured a mixed side more and more, with the occasional display dance by the "Ring O'Belles". The mixed side had taken on the rather prosaic title of "Wakefield Morris Dancers" and this is the name that has stayed.
The team has now been together for over twenty two years and includes in the present side some who have danced through the majority of the teams history. Highlights in the history have been tours to France and Germany, regular appearances at folk festivals throughout Britain such as Whitby, Sidmouth, Warwick, Holmfirth and Cleethorpes.
Flash Company (Molly, Appalachian, Clog, Border)
Based in Otley, West Yorkshire, Flash Company were formed in the year 2000 from musicians and dancers from all walks of life and perform at festivals and events across the country. Many had danced traditional Morris for many years and wanted to update the tradition to bring it to a new audience in a manner that people could relate to.
In order to do this, we have taken some "traditional" dances and also written several of our own but perform them to more modern music, such as blues, jazz and rock and roll. In no way is this meant to detract from the traditional teams that exist all over the world, but we do feel that people can find some familiarity in the music, and will stop to watch and find out more.
Thieving Magpies (Border Mixed)
Thieving Magpie (formerly Magpie Morris) is a mixed border morris team, formed in 2006.
Wayzgoose (Border Mixed)*
Otley's one and only mixed Border Morris side was founded in 1993 and first burst onto the public stage on May 1st 1994. Since then the side has grown in numbers and they have attended many major folk festivals throughout England, dancing with sides from all over England and the USA, Australia, Romania and France.
Briggate Morris (North West Ladies)*
Briggate Women's Morris are from Leeds.
Their dancers are of all ages between 9 and 90! They also have a dedicated band of musicians, both male and female.
Hillmillies (Cotswold Ladies)**
After making their debut at the 2007 Rushbearing Festival we are delighted that the Hebden Bridge Hill Millies have now become our second regular local team. An all female Cotswold side they dance in maroon waistcoats and black trousers and strike fear into cider vendors everywhere.
Persephone (North West Ladies)**
Persephone Women's Morris - first performed in 1978, dancing in the North West style. Many of their dances originate from the following of rushcarts, the annual event of bringing new rushes for the church floor, in a ceremonial procession. This processional style further developed once the streets of the industrial towns of the North of England became paved.
The team are a North West (old Lancashire and Cheshire areas of England) Processional Morris side in a very distinctive kit where Yellow and Green predominate adding black as a noticeable contrast. The style is vigorous and precise, the side earning accolades and appreciation from both general and knowledgeable audiences.
*Saturday only **Sunday only