Hart & Sole
Hart & Sole Clog Morris are Morris dancers specialising in the dance style of North West England. We are a mixed side with men and women wearing contrasting coloured kit. Each dance consists of 8 dancers, usually 4 men and 4 women, with a caller directing the dancers and musicians.
We have fun dancing at festivals around the south of England on weekends and Bank Holidays. We dance with invited sides outside pubs (occasionally inside) in the local area around Bracknell, Crowthorne and Wokingham. We venture outside our local area to dance with other sides within reasonable drinking distance, making new friends at the same time. This gets us out and about meeting new people and getting back together with some old friends from previous years.
Come and join us, meet new friends; we are always on the look out for new dancers and musicians.
Autumn and Winter we practice; Spring and Summer we dance out.
No experience is necessary; we will teach you all you need to know and maybe some more!
All you have to bring with you is a sense of humour and a willingness to join in and have fun.
History
Hart & Sole Clog Morris first appeared in public in 1987 performing Morris dances from the north west of England.
The north west or Clog Morris, as it is often called, originates from the north west counties of England such as Cheshire and Lancashire.
The alternative name is derived from the clogs the dancers wear. This type of footwear was widespread in the factory and mill towns in the area from the late 19th century up to the end of the first world war, and in fact may still be seen in use in some of the older established firms.
The Dances performed are derived from carnival and procession type dances. Originally they would have been performed to a full brass band from the town or factory, but alas, today the musical accompaniment although playing some of the same tunes is a little less grand.
The dances would have been performed at village, town and even national celebrations; the teams competing against each other in regional competitions.
Today whilst the element of competition is no longer the driving force, Hart & Sole strive to perform the dances in an exciting and lively manner.
Dance Programme 1999, 2000; Hart & Sole history; Contacts; Links; Dances; Photos