We are pleased to host a plethora of local Morris and dance sides over the weekend.
Ragged Robin
Ragged Robin are an international morris side – they are members of different sides and only get to dance together at events such as Otley Folk Festival. Several members are also part of Yorkshire Coast Morris, based around Scarborough. They are identifiable by their black and red tattered
jackets. They dance in the Border style, with loud, boisterous dances.
Kitchen Taps
Otley’s Appalachian dance side The Kitchen Taps perform traditional Appalachian Dance to authentic Bluegrass and Old Time music. They are well known for their lively and intricate routines, and have performed at festivals up and down the country for over 20 years.
The dancers are backed by their musician, Phil, who plays a range of bluegrass and old time music on fiddle. They are rightly proud of their complex, foot tapping tunes and enthusiastic dances.
Flash Company
Also from Otley, Flash Company were formed in the year 2000 from musicians and dancers from all walks of life. Many had danced traditional Morris for many years and wanted to update the tradition to bring it to a new audience in a manner that people could relate to. In order to do this,
they have taken some ‘traditional’ Border, Molly and Appalachian dances and also written several of their own but perform them to more modern music, such as blues, jazz and rock and roll. In no way is this meant to detract from the traditional teams that exist all over the world, but they feel
that people can find some familiarity in the music, and will stop to watch and find out more. Spot them in their black and yellow tattered jackets and listen out for their amazing band!
Wharfedale Wayzgoose
Also from Otley (there must be something in the water!) Wharfedale Wayzgoose Border Morris perform lively dances in the Border style in their unique, vibrant style. Backed by their band, you will certainly hear their drum around the town during the festival! Dressed in black and white
tatters with a goose emblazoned on their tabard, you won’t miss them!
Black Diamond Morris
We are delighted to welcome Black Diamond Mixed Cotswold Morris to Otley for the first time. Based around Darlington, they dance the Cotswold style of Morris. Dressed in black trousers , white shirts and black waistcoats, they’ll be the smart dancers this weekend!
400 Roses
Formed in 2005, the 400 Roses are a unique group who combine UK-style folk dancing with more exotic tribal belly dance moves to music played live by their band t’Thorns.
When designing their costumes , they decided to use an abundance of red and white silk roses to represent their Yorkshire and Lancashire origins. Expect the unexpected – if you have never seen them before!
Rainbow Morris
Rainbow Morris were founded in 1990 and are based in Saltaire/Shipley. We dance North West Morris. They have enjoyed dancing in Otley several times in the past year.
Wakefield Morris
Wakefield Morris perform a style of morris dancing known as “North West” morris, originating in Lancashire in the late 19th century where teams were formed to take a central role in the annual village carnival processions. Some of the dances that Wakefield Morris perform were traditionally used in such processions in the early 20th century, but over time the team has also written dances of its own, taking their
inspiration and dance names from landmarks in and around Horbury. These team-written dances are now collectively known as the Horbury Suite. The team colours of blue and gold are taken from the crest of Wakefield City.
Stone the Crows
Stone the Crows are a Border Morris side from Leyland in Lancashire, but the Border dance tradition traces its origins to the English / Welsh border counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. Many of the dances they perform come from border county towns, such as Upton upon Severn. Some of the dances are traditional, collected and recorded by those keen to preserve Britain’s rural, cultural heritage as the rise of industry, cities, transportation and even war threatened to wipe them out. Other dances demonstrate a modern tradition, with collecting and sharing of tunes and dances between fellow Border teams.
Slubbing Billies
Slubbing Billys are a mixed North West Morris Team, with a reputation for colourful costumes and lively, entertaining dances. The team was formed in 1986, and has a healthy age range, from enthusiatic teenagers to more experienced (mature!) members who have danced with the side since it started. Based in the Colne Valley we are looking forward to seeing them at Otley again.
Jet Set Border Morris
Jet Set Border Morris are a mixed side from North Yorkshire, formed in 1999 they perform traditional and self written border morris dances.
Flag Crackers of Craven
Flagcrackers of Craven are a mixed Border Morris side based in Skipton, North Yorkshire
