morris dancing began in england in the 15th century, when it was part of the celebrations held at crop planting or harvesting times. it was well know in Shakespeare's time. but by the end of the 19th century, had almost disappeared. At that time, only a small number of people practiced it in villages in the english midland. Since then, it has been increasing in popularity in England and the USA, where people from all profession join together to celebrate the changing seasons. The dancers, know as teams, wear bells, wave handkerchiefs or sticks, and dance to simple tunes.
The teams appearing at the All About Dance Festival come from different areas of England, so you will notice slight difference in the dances they perform.