Acorn Morris was formed in York in 1977 to fill the missing gap at the time for women and girls who wanted to enjoy the tradition of Morris dancing. The first public performance was in 1978 and, although members have come and gone, the team is still dancing over 45 years later. Some of us have been dancing for years, others not so long. We're from a wide range of backgrounds, some international, but the one thing we all have in common is that we enjoy the dancing.
1st Dance-out, Stillington March 1978
We dance what is commonly known as the stick and handkerchief style i.e. dances from villages in the Cotswold regions of the UK but also some Border Morris from Hereford & Worcestershire along with some dances we have invented ourselves.
Acorn Morris is a member of the Morris Federation.
10th Anniversary, Rufforth March 1988
As can be seen in the photos, our kit has changed over time from the original white blouse & skirt, to a white pinafore dress in 1980 through to a green skirt in 1990 with the addition of yellow hankies (instead of the original white ones) in 1993.
Thirsk July 2004
In 2013 we changed to our current kit of black trousers, white poloshirts with green trim and leather bell pads, and new design badge on the baldricks. The only amendment (2015) has been a change to one yellow hanky and one orange hanky.
We perform mostly in the York area - either in the city itself or surrounding villages. In 1982 we performed at Castle Howard, near York, as part of the entertainment for that year's Eurovision Song Contest performers and in 2009 we were featured in the Independent newspaper (see below). We have also danced at international festivals in Prague (2010) & Krakow (2013).
Prague July 2010
Our repertoire originally featured the Ilmington tradition along with a few Border dances. Other traditions have since been introduced including Bampton, Fieldtown, Kirtlington, Lichfield and Ducklington and in 2018 we added Stretton on the Fosse. We have also included several 3 and 4-man dances some of which we have adapted ourselves. Our musicians have also changed over the years, but have nearly always been accordion, melodeon and/or concertina players with fiddle, drum and whistle accompaniment.
Krakow August 2013
So, if you want to be part of a living tradition combining exercise and fun, why not come along? We meet on Wed. evenings 8.00-9.15pm in Room QW03, Quad West, University of York St. John from September to May. The 2nd Wednesday of each month is an open session for anybody to come & see what it's all about.
On Wednesday evenings in the summer months we perform in York and the surrounding area.
New members & musicians are always welcome.
Wass June 2023
Room QW03 is in Quad West (Buildings button)
