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The first time you see them, you might think there are only two morris dances - the stick one and the hanky one. Then you realise that the tunes are all different. Gradually other differences emerge. Here are some other things to look out for that will make watching more enjoyable. This page should be called "more than you ever wanted to know..."
The general style that Blackmore dance is called Costwold, because that is the part of the country where most of the dances were noted down during the rediscovery of morris in the nineteenth century. (You may also come across North West (in clogs) or border (blacked faces and tatter coats, lots of whoops) or Molly (once a year in January).
Cotswold is rich in the range of steps and figures that are used. Each village developed its own style and structure of the dances. Details such as the way hankies are waved, or the steps and figures varies, even where the dance has the same name and a similar tune.
In most heys the left and right column movements are supposed to be mirror images. In the Adderbury tradition left and right are parallel. In the Lichfield tradition the hey involves a lot more criss-crossing, with lots of chances for collisions and falling over. Of course Blackmore never collide or fall over. In the Upton on Severn stick dance there is a very nice "hey on the end" which is not done in columns. Look out for it.
The half gyp or half hands. Dancing across the set right shoulder to right shoulder with opposite, then backwards into place. Then the same with left shoulders.
Capers (kind of forward kick). Capers come in plain, spring and other varieties.
Slows. This when the music slows down (the 'C' music) and the pairs (or corners) do extraordinary feats of agility in turns, such as: fore capers (beetle crushers) upright capers, right toe back, star jumps, to name a few.
Once you know these basics, you will realise that no two dances are the same. Individual performers vary. Some are more athletic and some are more graceful. Different teams (sides) interpret or develop the traditions differently. Some sides emphasise doing the steps precisely and keeping straight lines, etc., others with other aspects of the dance such as its humour or energy. Sides vary day to day and year to year. A good audience puts a side on its mettle and draws out a better performance and higher leaps.
Blackmore has always been blessed with good musicians, which not only makes listening a pleasure, but can have a big effect on the dancing. Not only has the tempo and emphasis to be right, but the musicians have to watch the dance and adjust to the way it is being danced. Sensitive musicians can lift the dance and make the dancers perform and look better.