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Welcome to Chelmsford Morris

We are a men's and ladies Morris dancing side from Essex in England. Morris dancing is a traditional style of folk dance.

The origins of Morris are unknown, some think that it originates in pre-Christian rituals, while historical researchers think that

it has a more recent origin in the ‘Morisco’ dances of the medieval courts of Europe.

At one time Morris dancing was widespread over rural England, but urban and industrial development led to a decline in the tradition,

leaving pockets of quite distinct dances in certain regions.


Morris dancing may have died out had not been for a folklorist called Cecil Sharp who saw one of the last remaining morris sides dancing in 1899.

Sharp set out to record the dances and the music, and noted the recollections of the surviving dancers and musicians.

The publication of work by Sharp and other researchers led to a renewed interest in folk dance and song

and has resulted in the Morris becoming a regular spectacle throughout England.

Founded in 1972 and 1979 respectively,  our men's and ladies sides dance all over Essex and beyond with

appearances at pub nights, festivals and private events. 

Some of our past and upcoming appearances include Halesworth Day of Dance, FolkEast festival,

 Westminster Morris Day of Dance, Moulton Morris weekend, Thaxted Morris weekend and Bromyard folk festival.

Our 2024 events calendar can be found here

Alternatively find us on social media including Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok

If you would like to book us for an event or if you're interested in joining the side please see our contact page for more details

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