It depends, I think, on whether you are into 'glass case' folk of an evolving folk tradition. I do believe it's necessary to record and to some extent continue morris and other follk traditions as they were, but it has to allow for the evolution of folk as well. Morris may have been a ritual thing done at certain times of year for certain reasons, though no one is completely sure about what and why. However, these days though morris sides dance particularly on certain days to continue the traditions, mostly morris and other dance types are done because people enjoy them and want to dance. If women enjoy dancing morris, why shouldn't they? Ok, it may not be traditional, but why should that be a good reason for them not to do it?

This is purely academic as I have no desire at all to dance Cotswold Morris but I see no good reason why other women shouldn't if they want to. "An it harm none, do what you will"

Love Lynne