Male morris sides have a vigour which suits the dances themes, ritualised combat among them. The appeal of traditional female dance groups, with beautifully coloured and embroidered costumes is equally attractive, but seen less often these days. Where UK seems to differ from European folk dance tradition, particularly that in the slav countries, is that we have fewer opportunities for mixing the best of both traditions in a combined dance. Mixed morris sides are a poor substitute. I visitedd Saintes in France a few years ago during its annual festival of international folk dancing. What a revelation that was.