Morris dancing for the Olympics?

Subject: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Cod Fiddler
Date: 17 Oct 05 - 01:14 PM

Not often you see top level support for such traditional frolics!

Take a look at this link

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4349088.stm

Richard.

Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Cod Fiddler
Date: 17 Oct 05 - 01:16 PM

Sorry for starting a new threat - just noticed that Mooh got there first.

Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Peace
Date: 17 Oct 05 - 02:27 PM

Saw the title and wondered, "Morris who?"

Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Crystal
Date: 18 Oct 05 - 07:14 AM

I'm trying to set up a petition to encourage the Olympic comittee to get the morris ancers in for the opening ceramony. And the Border, Clog, Step, Sword, Molly etc dancers as well!

Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 18 Oct 05 - 07:55 AM

And Highland caber tossing, and hurling and Men's Choirs (boyo) and for Staffordshire - BEER

Yorkshire? How about assertive arguement? - 'appen so.

Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Jess A
Date: 18 Oct 05 - 07:57 AM

Crystal,
I heard a rumour that a collaboration of the Morris Federation, Open Morris & the Morris Ring might be doing something about trying to get the Olympics to include morris although I don't know the truth of it.

It might be worth your getting in touch with them so everybody can combine forces rather than having several groups all trying to achieve the same aim?

I'll sign your petition!
Jess

Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Crystal
Date: 18 Oct 05 - 11:25 AM

I'm going to contact the lot, plus the rapper mob as well, (what are they called?) and anyone else I can find after a random internet search!

Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Mo the caller
Date: 18 Oct 05 - 04:33 PM

What about social dance (barn, square, Playford and the rest)
When I tell people that I enjoy Folk Dancing the reply usually is "do you mean Scottish dancing?" "No" "Oh,Morris dancing!"
There again most of us do it for fun though there are some who dress up and perform in public (e.g. the Adlington dancers)

Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 18 Oct 05 - 04:35 PM

Given how vacuous and inane the Olympics are, Morris Dancing would fit right it....

Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 19 Oct 05 - 02:29 AM

There is a petition started by an Aussie TV show that started out on 'community TV' and now on Commercial TV called 'Blokesworld' to have Ladies Vertical Pole Dancing in the Olympics too..

I'm not making this up you know...

Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: mouldy
Date: 19 Oct 05 - 02:37 AM

I've just put my comments on the BBC thread after my son kindly sent me a link.
I was with one of quite a few sides who performed in the opening ceremony of the 1991 World Student Games in Sheffield. we were allowed to do what we wanted to the tunes that were played, and one from each of Cotswold, NW, Longsword and Step were featured on a central stage. We just had to be where they wanted us to be at various points around the field. It was all pulled together by the lass that choreographed the Los angeles Olympic opening ceremony. T'was hard work and a bit like running the Grand National, being as we were, on grass in clogs, but it was a fun night.

Then of course there are all the different dance traditions from the rest of the UK....

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 19 Oct 05 - 04:52 PM

I'm disappointed. I thought someone was suggesting Swaggering Boney as a competitive event....

Kitty

Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Oct 05 - 06:42 PM

Social dance display is the thing that really gives folk dance a bad name. Keep social dance for socialising please Mo.

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Shiplap Structure3
Date: 20 Oct 05 - 04:45 AM

I've got to ask whats a swaggering boney? If its what I think it might be wouldnt a shadows style side step routine be just the ticket

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Mo the caller
Date: 20 Oct 05 - 07:50 AM

Has the anonymous guest ever seen the Adlington team?

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 20 Oct 05 - 07:19 PM

Shiplap S3 - not really Shadows sidestep no (though that's fine for social dancing). Swaggering Boney is a rather more aggressive corner dance.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Acorn4
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 01:46 PM

Someone pointed out on Five Live today that nearly all the British medals have come through sports involving appendages; cycles, boats, horses, etc, so perhaps it's time to revive this thread agin!

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 03:03 PM

100,000 morris bells! 1,000 melodeons! Do we really want to inflict this on the rest of the world?

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Little Robyn
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 03:27 PM

Oh, yes!
Start with Leapfrog.
Then the Rapper event.
I might actually watch those events.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: lady penelope
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 03:35 PM

"100,000 morris bells! 1,000 melodeons! Do we really want to inflict this on the rest of the world?"


By the gods, YES!

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: danensis
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 04:13 PM

When you think about Morris Dancing is basically synchronised swimming without the water.

John

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 04:31 PM

Morris Dancers like their beer too much to be taken seriously as athletes!

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 04:56 PM

Do they drink as much as darts players?

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Surreysinger
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 05:19 PM

"When you think about Morris Dancing is basically synchronised swimming without the water."

I have yet to see a whole side performing with rictus grins, or indeed noseclips, but wait with interest!

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 05:43 PM

BBC/LONDON: 2012 Olympics...

In a blistering finish, the Morris Dancing Squad from the People's Republic of China narrowly edged out Kenya to take the Gold Medal at the Olympics. When asked why the "athletes"from U.K.'s teams had done so poorly, a visibly embarrassed coach admitted that it was probably due to his team's quaffing too much ale while watching the competition on the tele prior to their appearance...

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Alan Day
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 06:25 PM

My suggestion would be one Morris team on a central stage featuring our best side and then switching to children dancing a country dance in the whole arena.
Al

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Ref
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 07:13 PM

Why not? You can get a medal now for dancing with cat toys. At least in Morris you have to avoid the sticks!

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 07:19 PM

Well I think its a great idea. Morris dancing at the opening ceremony. We should have someone writing some special music for it now. something really good - that could go on the opening credits every night like Andrew lloyd Webbers music did for the 78 world cup in Argentina - or Riverdance did for Eurovision.

I know some people will say thats not what the traditions about, but I think it would be a great creative opportunity. A chance to rise to the challenge of making contact outside the narrow confines of the devotees.

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: The Doctor
Date: 14 Aug 08 - 06:53 AM

There was a letter to The Times back in June from Denis Smith of Romford, Essex, which may be worth quoting:

Sir, Surely Lord Redesdale (letter June 6) doesn't go far enough in suggesting that morris dancing might be included in the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics.
Why not press for morris dancing to be made an Olympic sport? The UK should be well placed to win a medal - at least until extra-strong scrumpy is banned as a performance-enhancing drug.

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST,Shantyjohn
Date: 14 Aug 08 - 08:10 AM

I'd be up for Olympic Morris dancing, but being a border man, we'll have none of this synchronised twaddle. Might be ok with the nose clips though.......

John

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Joseph P
Date: 14 Aug 08 - 08:17 AM

"The event's organisers have promised to use the "full creative talents of Britain's spectacular world-class directors and artists, technicians and performers will be used to fill the Olympic Stadium with magic, wit and wonder". (original BBC article)

- Something along the lines of a giant inflatable dog turd, then?

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Alan Day
Date: 14 Aug 08 - 08:54 AM

New Olympic Sports will include the current English World Champions at conkers and Marbles
Al

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 03:26 AM

I call upon Dwile Flonkers of this country to boycot the Games if Morris is recognised ahead of the ancient and truly British sport of Flonking the Dwile.

Do we want to look silly or what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Flonker and Angry of Chorlton

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Alan Day
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 03:47 AM

I can just imagine the commentator introducing that one
"and now we welcome a display of Mass Flonkers"
A sure winner!!
Al

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: eddie1
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 03:59 AM

IIRC, the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony from Birmingham a few years back had Morris Dancing with real Minis!

Eddie

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 04:10 AM

Look I call for discipline here this thread could turn very silly

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 04:17 AM

You can't play Conkers on account of strict health and safety rules.

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 05:22 AM

See

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: banjoman
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 05:26 AM

Has there been any development to include Morris Dancing in 2010 Olympics - This threadhas been going for a longtime and nothing seems to have happened

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Tradsinger
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 12:39 PM

There is a Facebook page to have the Demon Barber Roadshow at the 2012 Olympics opening. See
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=136570403045747&ref=ts.

Sounds like a good idea to me.

Tradsinger

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 05:17 PM

I think its a excellent idea.
Morris High cliff diving?
Kind regards Pierre

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Duke
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 05:23 PM

I hate for everyone to hate me, but when I am at a festival and I see the Morris dancers, I go the other way!

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 05:29 PM

' What a Palaver '

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Wheatman
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 03:56 AM

This thread seems to be playing straight into the hands of those who put down this aspect of British culture, it seems just because it's there it makes good aunt sally. The following is a repeat of what I posted on the other morris for the olympics thread. I am doing it this way as I don't know if it is possible to link two theads.

"5000 Morris dancers at the Olympics seems OK providing that not too many of them dance in the 4 foot trench they normally perform in and make the impact we all desire. If the Morris (and I include sword in the broad brush description) is to make a statement then half a dozen dynamic teams in a showcase would be more worth while. I saw the London Ballett dance rapper a number of years ago and it was outstanding. This is the athletic image we need to put over. I get really P***ed off with the media who choose to mock the Morris rather than support an iconic item of British culture. I have loved the Morris (including sword in the description) for the past 40 years and now suffer for an ill spent youth (knackered knees). Give the youth an opportunity to deliver and they will. I don't want the opening ceremony marred by a shed load of portly dancers (men and women) giving the media an opportunity to say " I told you so – what a load of **** heads". Having seen Damien Barber's Road Show promo, could this be the way forward?"

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Old Vermin
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 05:42 AM

From where we are in 2010, how confident are we that the UK Olympics in 2012 will be an event with which Morris dancers would wish to be associated?

With the imminent Commonwealth Games as a dreadful example of poor preparation, a government here short of cash, accusations of malpractice in cricket - yes, cricket not being cricket - do we want to risk being associated with this sort of thing?

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST,Pete
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 05:49 AM

Given the volume of ale that would be consumed, the nose clips would probably be a good idea.

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST,LDT
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 06:00 AM

"What about social dance (barn, square, Playford and the rest)"
I know there will be some wheelchair 'square dancing' at the paralympics.

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 05:55 PM

Does all this mean that there will be Olympics of some kind somewhere in the British Isles in the foreseeable future? Fill me in. I don't play attention to the Olympics.

Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 05:58 PM

":What a palaver "