Morris Dancing Workshops

Everyone is invited to try their hand - and feet - at Morris Dancing during the workshops to be held in Hurst on 26 September and 3 October.

Hurst Morris People (or HuMP for short) dance the Cotswold style of Morris dancing best known for its handkerchief and stick dances. We are a mixed team with both men and women dancers of all ages, writes David Prince.

Morris dancing is an entirely amateur pastime. People take part for its combination of light physical exercise, fun and friendship. HuMP has always danced in a lively style with as much emphasis on enjoyment as on trying to achieve technical perfection. The dances are fundamentally simple, although performing them accurately and entertainingly does take practice.

During the summer months (May to September) HuMP performs in public at various venues in the area such as village fairs, town centres and (most enjoyably) pubs. Typically two or three Morris 'sides' will gather at a pub on a summer's evening to dance, sing and play the evening away.

See HuMP in action

You can see us at the Hurst Horse Show on 29 June, at the Flowing Spring in Playhatch on 11 July, at the Roebuck in Binfield on 18 July, and at the Jolly Farmer in Hurst on 25 July.

In the winter we practice every Thursday night in the Village Hall, before adjourning to the Jolly Farmer to play music. We would love to see more members, both dancers and musicians. It would be particularly nice to have more Hurst residents.

We run an introductory course in the autumn to let newcomers try it out and see how they get on. This runs on 26 September and 3 October, at 8pm in the Large Village Hall. Everyone is welcome to come and have a go. If it suits you, you could be dancing with us next summer!

Contact Mary Esslemont for more information on 0118 xxx xxxx, or see our web page.