Dear Michael
I have no idea where you found the idea that there was any ridicule involved. Nor do I know why you are extremely disgusted or find my attempt to find work for people who might want it "thoroughly reprehensible". If you can't see the difference between "gentle fun" and "ridicule" then I am sincerely sorry for you and wonder at the world you must be living in. The comment about dancers was that all of the outrage about the idea is coming from people who are not being required to even choose whether or not to take up the offer. It is a choice. It is an offer. It is an offer that would not have been made had my husband not suggested it would be far better to have "real" Morris dancers rather than have actors pretending to be dancers. You appear to be getting yourself worked up over nothing at all. No one is ridiculing a tradition. No one is damaging it in any way. As Jenny says, it's no more ridiculous or damaging than "Morris, a life with bells on" or any number of comedy sketches that have already passed without comment into history. Morris men have featured in adverts before as well as on light entertainment shows.
If your problem is with someone earning money doing something they love (sorry - "prostituting their art" was your term - talk about an over-reaction!) then clearly you object to professional musicians and dancers in general? If that's not your view, what makes this different? The idea that there might be some fun involved? I have met many Morris men in my time (and women, too) and they're generally at the forefront of fun.
I repeat - you were not in the target group to which this offer was addressed so I suggest you calm down, take a deep breath and stop wasting your own time reading this thread which has offended you so greatly. I am unrepentant - as a working musician married to a working actor I consider it a good idea to offer paid work to others who might be able to benefit.
Whether or not any Morris dancers who read this take up the offer and get selected in an audition, the advert will be made. I would much prefer to see real upholders of our fine tradition get the paid work than people who know nothing about it. I can't understand (oh, and I can really manage without your pity, Michael) why anyone would prefer the opposite. If you think that is reprehensible, incomprehensible and any other over-loaded adjective -then I suggest you consult a dictionary. And read a newspaper to get a sense of perspective.
Interested dancers can PM me.
Jenny - if you have contact details for Hammersmith Morris then by all means PM me with them - or any other London-based Morris sides, for that matter.