Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Morris dancing facing extinction

Morris dancing could be "extinct" within 20 years because young people are too embarrassed to take part, a UK Morris association has said.

The numbers of people participating in the traditional British folk dance are dwindling whilst the age of the dancers is increasing, according to the Morris Ring, an association representing over 200 Morris troupes across Britain.

It is warning that "unless younger blood is recruited during the coming winter months, Morris dancing will soon become extinct".



Charlie Corcoran, Bagman of the Morris Ring, said: "There's a distinct possibility that in 20 years' time there will be nobody left.

"It worries me a great deal. Young people are just too embarrassed to take part.

"This is a serious situation. The average age of Morris dancing sides is getting older and older. Once we've lost this part of our culture it will be almost impossible to revive it."

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