Cotswold – Traditional

This is the oldest of all the Morris dance styles. Originating from Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire and where each village had its own quite distinctive dance steps and movements. Traditionally these were men only sides but over the years many ladies’ only sides have also appeared. 6-8 dancers, complex stepping, hankies waving, sticks crashing, bells jingling and sometimes with a hobby horse or a fool. They generally only perform Cotswold dances and usually dress all in white with coloured cross sashes and flowery hats.