Its funny how small changes within a team can make a big impact on the appearance of the dance.

I dance within a single tradition which means each dance is pretty well defined, with no scope to change (although we definitely do not follow a black book!!!). I think this is good in that it allows dancers to concentrate on improving on their dancing skill and style, as opposed to learning a load of different styles, dances etc, none of which are necessarily danced well, or trying to develop 'interesting' novelty dances that people think will woo the crowds, but might just look messy. Who knows.

The attitude of a team before each dance has a big impact. There are definitely two types of showing off, the obvious brash type which sticks out and annoys people, and then there is the quietly doing your best way, perhaps competing with the person opposite as to who can keep their line traighter, who can be lighter footed etc. If everyone is trying in this way then a team will look fantastic. If the dancers are plodding through yet another dance then that is what it will look like! You dont have to be young, you dont have to be super-fit (but it helps).

Apprenticeships within a team definitely have an impact. Marking out the newens may seem a bit harsh but it gives them something to aim for. It worked for me and within 6 months of dancing I was on the main stage at Sidmouth!

The Morris wont die, but it's popularity will wax and wane. This is only a problem for those that want to make money out of it! At the end of the day you cant force people to dance (unless you count schools!) As I have said before, teams who dwell on their dwindling numbers and have a try hard recruitment plan might not always be as successful as those who get on with the dancing, and do it well! (which is more about attitude than practise).