for me, i don't think its a problem about encouraging people to give it an initial go, is keeping them...

asking the newcomer what they would like to see from an early stage and perhaps taking on board any feedback they give is a way to keep the tradition evolving (being mindful of the fact that you do have one to preserve and not to change it too much so it's unrecognisable from the ting it once was!)
Suggestions we took on board included:
changing the kit slightly to appeal to younger members (SLIGHTLY PEOPLE!!)
being flexible about practice times, not getting arsey if people don't attend practice one week because they would rather be out with their mates... etc

It's about give and take and being friendly, approachable and creating an environment where young and old can co-exist and still get the enjoyment out of it. We do stuff like, organising morris side events outside of the usual stands/sessions/festivals thing - have a party - actually break the ice and get to know each other and don't be all like "i've been a dancer for seven thousnad million years"...that scares new people. (and also people like me who grew up with this stuff and then just thinks you sound like a bunch of pompous old fools)

I have been to loads of festivals this year and would say that as a young female dancer, there is not so much to worry about apart where atracting dancers is concerned - its keeping them that is the issue :0)

Good luck to everyone who is going for a recruitment drive this year - I hope you all succeed in your aims...

PS....tiny tiny tiny whispers of a new ladies cotswold and border side (not a rubbish one either) starting in Thanet....

Charlotte xx