Have you been wondering what to do as the nights begin to close in? Science now tells us that dance is an excellent and healthy activity — it exercises the body and keeps the brain cells keen and in the form of morris dancing, it also combines a friendly social life and plenty of travel too. North Nottinghamshire has its own unique and lively brand in Rattlejag Morris, based in Retford, and they return for their winter practices in September if you feel like giving it a go — an interesting experience for dancers or musicians: no charge, no obligation, no skill required. While the term ‘morris dancing’ incorporates many styles, Rattlejag’s is particular to the area of Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, developed out of its own research into older rural traditions.
The team have turned that source material into vibrant and colourful dances which continue to evolve and change, and they take them, along with live music, to many an interesting festival, fete or event. Indeed, in July, with 369 dancers from around 40 morris dance sides they took part in a Guinness World Record attempt for the most morris dancers’ dancing during a rather hot but enjoyable festival weekend at Sheringham, Norfolk. If you wish to see what it is all about, they will next be seen out and about at the Lincoln BIG Morris Festival with many other teams on Saturday 1st September and East Markham Apple Day on 7th October.
Rattlejag hold their practices from September to April at Grove Street Methodist Hall, Retford DN22 6LA, on Mondays from 8.30pm. For further details check out their websites www.rattlejagmorris.org.uk and www.facebook.com/rattlejagmorris or contact Jayne on enquiries@rattlejagmorris.org.