The sessions covered a range of morris and sword dance traditions from experienced dancers and educators who know their Border from their Molly. Amongst these were Damien Barber and Bobak Walker, the creative minds behind the critically acclaimed folk/hip-hop crossover show The Lock In and members of the Demon Barbers.
Laurel Swift and Ben Moss of the pioneering Morris Offspring presented a workshop, alongside a host of others.
Topics covered in the sessions include running workshops in schools which link with the curriculum, running inspiring workshops outside of school, safe practice for young dancers and everything else you could possibly need to know about engaging young people in these valuable traditions.
“There’s some terrific work going on all over the country, in teaching young people morris in all its forms. I want those teachers to be a community, striving for the highest quality of practice, and sharing their best ideas with each other. I think this day of workshops, case-studies, key-note presentations and networking will help that community to form and flourish.”
Barry Goodman, conference co-director and past President of the Morris Federation