Mad Jack’s Morris in the Jack in the Green parade

Free Morris dance workshops in Ore

A couple of free dance workshops (at Ore Community Centre on 9 and 30 September at 8pm) have been brought to the attention of HOT’s Paul Way-Rider by Terry Alexander of Mad Jack’s Morris.

Mad Jack’s Morris are a Cotswold Morris side formed in 1976 and still boasting a couple of original members. They have a wide age range and different reasons for dancing. For some, the history of England’s traditional dance is important, for others it is a chance to socialise, visit country pubs and make new friends. Some are interested in it as part of a healthy lifestyle as it is good exercise!

Whatever the reason, they come together to dance, have fun and make a colourful spectacle locally in Hastings (you can see them at Jack in the Green in May) and beyond.

They are named after Mad Jack Fuller who was well-known because of the many follies he built in the Brightling area. Their kit has the traditional white of Cotswold with the addition of the Cinque Port colours (blue, yellow and red).

Mad Jack’s on the West Hill

Terry says “We are looking to encourage people to have a go at this traditional style of dance (whatever their reasons for coming along) and would like to invite you to two free dance workshops (you can do either or both).

“The workshops take place at 8pm on Monday 9th and 30th September at Ore Community Centre, Old London Road (opposite Aldi).

“You don’t need any dance experience but please wear sensible shoes and clothes you can move about in easily, To help you decide there’s an easy-to-follow flow diagram below.”

Mad Jack’s Morris dance workshop

Photos by Paul Way-Rider. Diagram from Terry Alexander.

Also in: Community Arts