BOURNE BORDERERS

Bourne Borderers Morris is a group of men and women who perform stick and handkerchief dances based on the few recorded traditional dances from the counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire along the Welsh Borders and known as Welsh Border Morris. These are accompanied by music from our own band.

A BIT ABOUT BORDER

Records have been found dating the style as far back as 1609, but many believe that it has developed from far older times. Perhaps the black faces and sticks represent the moors, or as we like to believe, the origins are even more ancient. At the turn of the year pagan dancers used to ward off the evil spirits of the old year with beating of sticks and bells jangling. They blacked their faces so the spirits would not recognize them and return to haunt them. More recently seasonal workers would dance in the winter months when they could not work due to inclement weather. They would supplement their meagre incomes by dancing and inviting donations from the audience. As begging was illegal in Victorian times a black face was necessary to avoid recognition when the police arrived and they had to beat a hasty retreat. Rag coats were also very warm and practical.

THE DANCES

Unfortunately very few records exist of the Border Morris dances that were originally performed. Those records that have survived tend to be vague and of little real value. It seems that where a particular village boasted a dance side, it would only perform one dance, and that, not always in the same way! This makes the continuance of the original Border tradition difficult in the least! Most modern Border teams choreograph their own routines based on what is known of the original dances. This, therefore, creates a living tradition, adapted to suit modern times. These can be accompanied by both traditional and popular tunes, as Bourne Borderers do. The most important thing is that the performance should always be lively and vigorous, fun to do, fun to watch and hopefully you the audience will enjoy the dancing as much as we do. Bourne Borderers Morris provide colourful entertainment wherever they perform.