I was lucky enough to witness the Flagcrackers of Craven 25th Anniversary celebrated by a day of Dance on Skipton today. I got to the canal basin in time for the grand finale and saw a dozen or so dances of superb quality from a diverse number of teams and individuals. It would be unfair to single any out as better than the others as they were all superb in their own right but, in terms of being memorable the 400 roses were remarkable. I can honestly say I have never seen belly dance meet Morris before and the ladies performing were so obviously enjoying themselves it made it all the more enjoyable for us watchers.

There were the Flagcrackers themselves along with Ebor Morris, Flash Company, Boojum, who I cannot find a link for (Sorry :-( ) who also formed the talented clog dancers, Twostep - going down to one after a severe bout of cramp - ouch!

Buttercross Belles and Persephone represented the North West tradition admirably while Powderkegs provided a good rival for the Flagcrackers border style. Pateley Longsword did an eight person longsword set which I can only describe as spectacular. There were a coupel of individual dancers who should be mentioned but, alas, I do not know their names - but they know who they are :-)

All in all - A splendid day and I thoroughly enjoyed all of it. One point I must make as well is that there were far more ladies dancing than men. One in the eye for the old guard and long may it remain so!

Cheers

DtG