Redding Moreys at Wokingham Library

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Local group Redding Moreys will be talking about contemporary Morris dancing and its origins, dispelling some myths and demonstrating some of the steps.

On August 10, 1513, the wardens of St Laurence Church, Reading recorded that they paid three old pence for ‘ale for the Morris dancers and a hoop for the giant’. This is the oldest record of Morris dancing in Reading and one of the oldest in the UK.

Redding Moreys was formed to try to recreate an early Tudor Morris team and celebrate the anniversary by dancing on the same date and in the same place as the original Morris dancers.

This was not an easy or cheap task, but they did it. It is probably the first time that such an anniversary has been celebrated in this way since indications of the music and dance steps has only recently been discovered.

Redding Moreys is a small group but they have performed on London’s South Bank and in and around the Globe Theatre and plan to perform at the York Mystery Plays in 2014.

They are always looking for new members, especially male dancers, period musicians and people interested in making early Tudor clothing using authentic methods.

The talk takes place at Wokingham Library on Thursday January 16, 6.30pm, £3 charge. To book a place please contact Wokingham Library on (0118) 978 1368.

January 9, 2014 |

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