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Morris dancing for the Olympics?

17 Oct 05 - 01:14 PM (#1584723)
Subject: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Cod Fiddler

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.


17 Oct 05 - 01:16 PM (#1584725)
Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Cod Fiddler

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


17 Oct 05 - 02:27 PM (#1584766)
Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Peace

Saw the title and wondered, "Morris who?"


18 Oct 05 - 07:14 AM (#1585140)
Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Crystal

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!


18 Oct 05 - 07:55 AM (#1585170)
Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST,Mr Red

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

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


18 Oct 05 - 07:57 AM (#1585172)
Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Jess A

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


18 Oct 05 - 11:25 AM (#1585354)
Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Crystal

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!


18 Oct 05 - 04:33 PM (#1585594)
Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Mo the caller

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)


18 Oct 05 - 04:35 PM (#1585595)
Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Clinton Hammond

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


19 Oct 05 - 02:29 AM (#1585959)
Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: The Fooles Troupe

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...


19 Oct 05 - 02:37 AM (#1585961)
Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: mouldy

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


19 Oct 05 - 04:52 PM (#1586490)
Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Herga Kitty

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

Kitty


19 Oct 05 - 06:42 PM (#1586566)
Subject: RE: BS: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST

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


20 Oct 05 - 04:45 AM (#1586815)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Shiplap Structure3

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


20 Oct 05 - 07:50 AM (#1586840)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Mo the caller

Has the anonymous guest ever seen the Adlington team?


20 Oct 05 - 07:19 PM (#1587328)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Herga Kitty

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

Kitty


13 Aug 08 - 01:46 PM (#2412663)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Acorn4

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!


13 Aug 08 - 03:03 PM (#2412755)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Steve Gardham

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


13 Aug 08 - 03:27 PM (#2412781)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Little Robyn

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


13 Aug 08 - 03:35 PM (#2412787)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: lady penelope

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


By the gods, YES!


13 Aug 08 - 04:13 PM (#2412823)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: danensis

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

John


13 Aug 08 - 04:31 PM (#2412838)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST,Tunesmith

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


13 Aug 08 - 04:56 PM (#2412861)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Richard Bridge

Do they drink as much as darts players?


13 Aug 08 - 05:19 PM (#2412886)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Surreysinger

"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!


13 Aug 08 - 05:43 PM (#2412905)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz

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...


13 Aug 08 - 06:25 PM (#2412957)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Alan Day

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


13 Aug 08 - 07:13 PM (#2412987)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Ref

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


13 Aug 08 - 07:19 PM (#2412994)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Big Al Whittle

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.


14 Aug 08 - 06:53 AM (#2413327)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: The Doctor

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.


14 Aug 08 - 08:10 AM (#2413378)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST,Shantyjohn

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


14 Aug 08 - 08:17 AM (#2413386)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Joseph P

"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?


14 Aug 08 - 08:54 AM (#2413413)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Alan Day

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


15 Aug 08 - 03:26 AM (#2414311)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Les in Chorlton

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


15 Aug 08 - 03:47 AM (#2414322)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Alan Day

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


15 Aug 08 - 03:59 AM (#2414327)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: eddie1

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

Eddie


15 Aug 08 - 04:10 AM (#2414335)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Les in Chorlton

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


15 Aug 08 - 04:17 AM (#2414340)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: fat B****rd

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


15 Aug 08 - 05:22 AM (#2414367)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Les in Chorlton

See


21 Sep 10 - 05:26 AM (#2990719)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: banjoman

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


21 Sep 10 - 12:39 PM (#2990902)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Tradsinger

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


21 Sep 10 - 05:17 PM (#2991055)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Pierre Le Chapeau

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


21 Sep 10 - 05:23 PM (#2991060)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Duke

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!


21 Sep 10 - 05:29 PM (#2991063)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Pierre Le Chapeau

' What a Palaver '


22 Sep 10 - 03:56 AM (#2991270)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Wheatman

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?"


22 Sep 10 - 05:42 AM (#2991311)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Old Vermin

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?


23 Sep 10 - 05:49 AM (#2992081)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST,Pete

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


23 Sep 10 - 06:00 AM (#2992084)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST,LDT

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


23 Sep 10 - 05:55 PM (#2992540)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: GUEST,leeneia

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.


23 Sep 10 - 05:58 PM (#2992543)
Subject: RE: Morris dancing for the Olympics?
From: Pierre Le Chapeau

":What a palaver "