We’re big fans of morris dancing on the Isle of Wight (as well as on the Solent), so happy to help spread the word of the The Men of Wight Morris Dancers.
They’re hoping that the forthcoming open evenings will encourage new members in to the side as they look to recruit new Morris Dancers.
Who are the Men of Wight?
The Men of Wight Morris dancers are a mature side and as such, are suffering, with low numbers and need to encourage new and young blood to join the side.
The Men of Wight Dance mainly traditions from the Cotswolds. There are other sides on the Island who dance Northwest and Border Traditions, so there are a variety of opportunities for people who are wanting to take up Morris Dancing.
To help this they are hosting two open evenings for the public, both men and women are welcome to the evening, to come along and find out about the Culture and Heritage of Morris Dancing (check Events on the Wight for full details).
There will be displays of the Men of Wight’s exploits, videos of events, displays of Morris Dancing and of course the opportunity to try Morris Dancing.
New blood needed across the country
This recruitment of new members does not only apply to the Men of Wight it is happening to many Morris Sides up and down the country.
Peter J Halfpenney Squire of the Morris Ring of England, (the Governing body of Morris Sides in England) said in an open letter to Morris sides “What we need is new blood, younger blood and we need it NOW.”
Check Events on the Wight for full details of the open evenings.
