Typical dances in England

England, like most countries, has its own typical dances. Today we will refer to the most representative dance of this country. The Morris Dance is one of the dances accompanied by music; these kinds of dances are usually part of processions and other cultural festivities.

It is performed by a group of dancers who carry out different choreographies using elements such as handkerchiefs, swords, sticks and bells. In some cases the dances are performed without any instrument or element. Although it is a typical cultural activity of England, it can be seen practiced in Australia, China, France, the United States, France.

Another of the most characteristic dances is the Maypole Dance, which is performed around a pole representing a tree, which is decorated with ribbons, flowers and foliage. This dance is performed at the beginning of spring to ensure fertility at that time of year.

The Rapper Sword is another of the typical dances of England, especially from the northeast of the country. Five people take part in it, connected to each other by flexible swords, forming an uninterrupted chain. It is a very fast dance in which different acrobatics, jumps and sword play are performed.

Regarding the Morris Dance, there are certain doubts about its antiquity. Some believe that records date back to the year 1448; others believe its name derives from ‘moorish dance’, and also point out that the term comes from the Latin word mores, meaning ‘costume’, linking it to the moresques described by Thoinot Arbeau in his Orchésographie in 1589.

Source | England
Photo | Flickr – Annieb5051