I've watched the video on Youtube of Hook Eagle dancing to Rickett's Hornpipe, and singing "What a lovely day..." while participating in what they call 'Knob Cracking'. It's side-splittingly funny to the onlookers and to the Side themselves. I've watched Border Morris hundreds of times at festivals, and the sides are always laughing and joking while dancing. Of course it's fun, while at the same time being a serious tradition ardently maintained. I've recently become hooked on Molly Dancing, and (for example Ouse Washes) the sides are extremely funny to look at, the men dressed as women with enormous busts and the strange jerky dance movements are certainly NOT meant to be taken seriously! I do feel one can be too earnest about it all. It's heartlifting and joyous, and always makes me laugh and feel better.