I'd like to get some readers' views on Morris Dancing outside pubs. Now I have been a Morris dancer and musician for over 40 years and so am a great supporter of the art, but wonder whether it is worth our while any more dancing outside pubs. I have lots of Morris dancing friends on Facebook and they often post up photo albums but I am increasingly aware that there is something missing, i.e. audience. It is obvious that pubs have changed - when I took up Morris in the 70s, pubs were full of locals, who would turn out in most cases from the bar to watch us. A large proportion of today's pub clientele are there for a meal and I notice that a number of pubs are almost deserted from about 9.30 when the diners go home. I enjoy a convivial pint as much as the next man and have also enjoyed many monumental singing sessions after the Morris, but I feel that Morris these days has become something to please ourselves rather than an entertainment to engage with the public.

I am contrasting this with my experience of Morris dancing abroad, particularly in Spain which I have visited many times as a Morrisman. The events that we have performed at have usually been well-organised festivals and gatherings, with a proper audience, PA, etc. I am not aware that Spanish folk dance groups perform in car parks or in the road dodging the traffic. Are we aiming our sights too low and should we be trying to appear at higher profile events? I feel this would be good for our image if we were seen to be up there on a stage.

Another bugbear of mine is why Morris dancers are so scared of using PA for some of their performances. I have heard squires often say "I don't need PA, I can shout loud enough". However, a person in a street shouting is just a person in the street shouting. Obviously it would not be appropriate in all cases but spoken announcements through a PA do get more attention.

I can fully appreciate the fact that today's Morris has grown out of a village and pub tradition but I would like to see Morris given a higher platform and I feel that higher status and respect would follow.

I will now stand back and await the fireworks.

Tradsinger