From that point of view, Tam, each person has to make their own (hopefully informed) choice about whether they want to dance with a side that blacks up or not. But if someone makes the choice to do so, I think they ought to be willing to be honest with anyone who might ask (and with themselves) about the origins of the custom. I am not saying that border morris dancers are intrinsically racist, but in all likelihood their custom evolved from racist practices.

The school in question did not "ban" the side. The side will continue to dance at events throughout the summer I'm sure, and good luck to them. But because of the sensitivities of this particular community, the school thought it unwise to honour their booking. Surely it is as much the right of the school to choose not to book the side as it is the side's right to dance however it chooses?