I must say I agree with the premise and indignation of the original post. It just goes to show how low English folk culture has fallen in the eyes of the "authorities". Just imagine if there was an Olympic event in Scotland - would there be ranks of Scottish pipers and dancers? - you betcha. Several people have mentioned Damien Barber - I applaud what he is doing in his roadshow and that, scaled up and danced with young athletic dancers would be dazzling.

Several other people have mentioned grey-haired Morris. I am a Morris dancer and grey-haired and in my 60s. However, I would have no desire to see me and my like in the show. No, what it needed was to train up a new young vigorous band of dancers. Not just morris - rapper, sword, stepdance etc. Nor would I be opposed to some multi-cultural elements being introduced, so long as the core was English traditions.

So basically the Olympic authorities have bottled it and let us all down. I think there is a good case for some Morris public disobedience when the games are on. After all, the PEL allows Morris wherever. I rest my case.

Tradsinger