Sherborne Village Morris Dances

by Tim Radford

This paper attempts to describe those steps and dances that make up the repertoire as taught by Tim Radford to The Black Jokers of Boston during Sept/Oct 1997 and Red Herring Morris Dec/Jan ? 2002/3.

The steps and dances are as far as possible those danced by the current Sherborne Morris Men, as at 1993 to 96. This team was, and still is to my knowledge, taught by Mr. Tubby (Tony) Reynolds since its revival in the mid 1970's.

In essence the dances are as collected by Cecil Sharp, but they have been distilled by Tubby into a style that is not like many other interpertations commonly seen, and is certainly very different to that generally seen in the USA.

Important Points of Style

There are 2 distinct types of dances - column dances and corner dances; each with different rules.
It is an Outside Foot Tradition, i.e., the starting foot.
The Double Step (DS) is 1, hop, 2, 3.
Dancers should face out half thru Foot Up/Down.
Step Forward into Galley, not to side.
Arms & Hankies do not go above shoulder level except in Split Jumps.
Kick your own backside in the Split Jumps.
In "Shuffle" backsteps you do not leave the ground.
There should be a line down centre of set in crossing figures, i.e., Set, Back to Back & Face to Face.
Column Dances start with Shuffle Backs & Jump.
Corner Dances start with Jump.
There is no movement forward in the Foot Up in Corner dances.
In Small Rounds, only go 2 places round and form set.
In Big Rounds, do not face opposite half way thru.
All Column Dances end with: Small Rounds, Whole Hey and Big Rounds - Finish with 4 Plain capers up to music.
Handkerchiefs are not used in Leapfrog or Monk's March.
There is only one Stick Dance: Constant Billy.

Column Dances

The pattern of all these is as follows: Foot Up, Chorus, Set, Chorus, Back to Back, Chorus, Face to Face, Chorus, Small Rounds, Whole Hey, Big Rounds ending with 4 Plain caper facing music.
The steps in all these Figures, Expect both Rounds & Hey, is the same (Outside Foot start): 1, hop, 2, 3, Feet Together Jump, Shuffle Backs, Feet Together Jump; Repeat same as second half.
Steps in Small and Big Rounds and Whole Hey are: Two Double steps, Galley Left, and return with Two Double Steps, Galley Right. (Except 4 Capers at end of Big Rounds).
Foot Up - Dance Forward, i.e., towards music with the steps and face out at half way point before dancing down in second half. Face Opposite, turning in, to finish.
Set - is a Half Gyp.; dance just past opposites' right shoulders and jump back into line for shuffle backs. Repeat left shoulders, etc.
Back to Back - dance just past opposites' right shoulders and jump sideways and back into line to left shoulder for shuffle backs. Repeat left shoulders, etc.
Face to Face - dance Right around opposite to face (on opposite's side) and jump into line at left shoulders for shuffle backs. Repeat Left shoulders around, etc.
Small Rounds - dance round Clockwise two places to face a new opposite in set. Return to place in second half.
Whole Hey - Top & Bottom couples turn out, Middles follow tops in both halves. Form a Set facing opposite at halfway.
Big Rounds - Make rounds larger as you dance round clockwise, and do not form a set at half way; Galley around 180 degrees and return home to caper up at end.

Corner Dances

The pattern of all these dances is: Foot Up, Chorus, Rounds, Chorus, Rounds, Chorus, Rounds, Chorus, Rounds, Whole Hey.
The Steps used in all these are 2 Double Steps (Starting Outside Foot) and Galley, repeat second half.
Foot Up - Dance the 2 Double Steps in place and not moving forward. Step forward to dance the Galley, and Face Out halfway thru before dancing facing down in second half. Again - step forward to Galley to face opposite at end.
Rounds in Corner dances is like Big rounds - but, do not make the round bigger, i.e., Do Not form set half way thru, Galley 180 degrees to face back in opposite direction to get home to face your opposite at end.
Whole Hey - should speak for itself, but is 2 half heys with no stopping at half way; i.e., 2 doubles and a Galley, 2 doubles and a Galley.

The Galley

The Galley, or the "Gallery" as it was called by the main source for the Tradition - Mr. George Simpson, is not a difficult step, but the dancer must be in balance while performing it. It should be danced with a "High Knee" and the free leg "stirring" should be with the heel not the toe. This free leg should not be close to the ground.

Always step forward as the first part of the Galley, not to the side.

The "Shuffles"

These are used to dance backwards in the Column dances and consist of moving from the "up" position to a "down" and back again as often as is needed to fill the music. The "down" position is a mirror of the "up" with the feet twisted to the other side, except that instead of the heels begin high off the ground they are almost touching the ground. The rhythm of the sequence of shuffles is not even, more time is spent when up than down - "down up &" = "cha - chaah".

From the final "down" there is a spring off of both feet to land with feet together. The balls of the feet are in contact with the ground throughout, expect on the jump.

The emphasis should be on the Up & Down of the body and not the twisting of the feet.

The Arms (in normal stepping)

Part of the Once To Yourself at the dance start is to raise both arms straight out in front with hands (palms down) at shoulder width and height. In a Double step the arms go from this straight out in front of the body at shoulder height position - Down to the hips on the 1, and up to start position just before the 3.

In the Shuffle backs, the arms stay in the starting position - i.e., straight out in front.

Plain Capers

These are high springs from one foot to the other, 2 to a bar of music. The idea is to achieve height, lifting the body off the ground, rather than kicking the legs out in front.

Like all jumps in Morris, the body goes up as one, and the distance between the hips and shoulders should remain the same throughout the movement - i.e., do not dip the shoulders and head down as you try to go up.

The Arms swing Down on the first caper and Up on the second, etc.

Simple Sidesteps

The simple sidestep is "Open", i.e., when Sidestep Left (SSL) the left foot is moved away and slightly forward from the right foot not in front as with a Closed SS. Simimlarly when Right Sidestep (SSR) the right moves away from the left. A Sidestep is a 1, 2, 3 hop, there for a SSL is Left, Right, Left, Hop Left.

The Leading Arm in the sidestep is the same as the leading leg, therefore SSL, the Left Arm is held up high with the arm almost against the left ear, and vice versa for a SSR. This arm is simple held up and not waved or turned.

Sidesteps With Shuffles

Put simply, this is a Simple Sidestep followed by a shuffle, i.e.,

"l r l, up down & down, r l r, up down together"

The arm used in the Sidestep is brought down to aid balance in the Shuffle. The idea is for the dancer to move diagonally left with the SSL and back diagonally to original position with the Shuffles, etc..

Forecapers, Half-Capers or "Kick-Capers"

This step can be called anyone of these names - In the dances I will call them "Kick Capers". They are described thus:

A step is taken with one foot, say the left, the right leg is simultaneously bent back at the knee before it is swung forward so that the heel hits the ground as it swings thru. It is then place next to the left foot, then there are two changes of feet, like small capers. therefore the whole first "Kick Caper" is:

"Left, Kick right, right to ground, left"

The next "Kick Caper" would start on the Right foot, etc..

The Arms go up in front (as in Double step starting position) on the first Left, and are brought down sharply on the right kick thru.

Upright Capers or "Split Jumps"

It should always be remembered that any movement prior to a high jump, like a "Split Jump", are all preparation and should therefore be smaller than the Jump.

The step sequence is: left across in front of right, right across in front of left, feet together, and "Split Jump", with the leading foot of the sequence in front of the body and the other leg bending at the knee and behind the body - trying to kick you own backside with the heel.

The second "Splitter" in any sequence should be the other foot leading, etc.. The hands and arms are in a balance position at the side of the body for the preparation steps, and are thrown high above the head together in the Split Jump.

"Forries" or The Other Half-Caper

In at least [one] dance the dancers must cross using "Forries", and these are as follows;

A Plain Caper followed by two ordinary steps, therefore L r l, and R l r, etc. The hands and arms go down on the Caper and up on the second ordinary step.

The step is similar to the normal Sherborne Double step, except that the Hop is omitted due to the extra height the dancer gets with the first change of foot.

The Salute or "Touching Forelock"

In some dance choruses, the dancers will Salute their corner or opposite with a very small touching or pulling of the forelock or rim of the hat. This is normally left followed by right and should be done slightly grudgingly and with little feeling.

Once To Yourself

Hands are brought up in front on 2nd half of intro music.

Column Dance Descriptions

Cuckoo's Nest

Source for tune: A Handbook of Morris Dances, by Lionel Bacon

Once to yourself - Shuffles
Sequence - Foot Up, C, Set, C, Back to Back, C, Face to Face, C, Small Rounds, Whole Hey, Big Rounds and Caper Up to end.

C = Chorus:
This is the same each time. End Figure facing Down, i.e., Away from the music, and with outside foot start, each pair in turn, i.e.,
Nos. 5 & 6 only, facing down dance 4 Plain Capers in place
Nos. 3 & 4 only, facing down dance 4 Plain Capers in place
Nos. 1 & 2 only, facing down dance 2 Double steps in place
All 6 dancers together step forward and galley on outside foot 180 degrees out to face towards music.
This whole is repeat but this time Capers by Nos. 1 & 2 and 3 & 4 and Double Steps by 5 & 6, and Galley 270 degrees to face opposite for next figure.
Young Collins

Source for tune: A Handbook of Morris Dances, by Lionel Bacon

Once to yourself & Sequence as Cuckoo's Nest.

C = Chorus:
This is the same each time. Face Opposite at end of figure.
Stamp Left foot 3 times, Clap own hands in front 3 times, Stamp Right foot 3 times, Clap own hands in front 3 times, Half Hey. Repeat all back to place for next figure.
Old Woman Tossed Up (or "The Grinder")

Source for tune: A Handbook of Morris Dances, by Lionel Bacon

Once to yourself & Sequence as Cuckoo's Nest.
C = Chorus:
This is the same each time. Face Opposite at end of figure.
SSL, Shuffle, SSR, Feet together jump, Half Hey.
Repeat all back to place for next figure.
Shave the Donkey

Source for tune: Jan Elliott

Once to yourself & Sequence as Cuckoo's Nest.

C = Chorus:
This is the same each time. Face Opposite at end of figure.
Pass Opposite, by Right shoulder with SSL, SSR
Galley Left (on other side) to face opposite,
Pass opposite, by right shoulder with SSL, SSR
Galley Left to face, Whole Hey and finish facing Opposite for next figure.
Over the Hills

Source for tune: Jan Elliott

This is a Saturday Night type dance, started by one dancer who is joined by others until there are 6 in total.
Dancer 1 - faces Music and dances 6 Double Steps and 4 Plain Capers to the A Music. SSL, Shuffles, SSR, Feet together Jump and 2 Double Steps, 4 Plain Caper turning right to face down and a new dancer to the B Music.
Dancer 1 & 2 now dance the same steps facing to the A & B music and pass to meet 2 new dancers.
The whole is then repeated by all 4 dancers who again pass to meet the final 2 dancers (there should now be 6 dancers in a line, with pairs facing) and all 6 dance the steps to the A & B Music.
In the final B Music where the 2 double steps are danced, all dancers move to the left and Galley left instead of the 4 Plain capers to form a set of 6 in normal column formation facing opposite.
All 6 now dance Small Rounds (clockwise) and a Whole Hey, Finishing facing Up with 4 Plain capers.
Leapfrog

Source for tune: Jan Elliott

No Handkerchifs used in this dance.
Once to yourself & Sequence as Cuckoo's Nest.

There are 4 different Chorus Movements.
Chorus 1: All six dancers walk round Clockwise, Each in turn, i.e., No. 1, 3, 5, 6, 4, 2 when they get infront of music they Pull their Forelock once. After No 2 does his, all Galley Left to face before next figure.
Chorus 2: As before, all walk round clockwise, This time Forry caper in turn at top, Galley left to face before next figure.
Chorus 3: All Dancers dance round clockwise with 6 Right gallies, Galley Left to face for next figure.
Chorus 4: This is the Leapfrog in turn as you walk round clockwise, ie: No 3 over no1, No 1 over no 3, No 6 over no 5, No 5 over No 6, No 2 over No 4, No 4 over No 2. All Galley Left to face for next Figure.
Constant Billy
(Stick Dance)

Source for tune: A Handbook of Morris Dances, by Lionel Bacon

Each dancer carries two 14" or 15" sticks, which are clashed together overhead on every Jump.
Otherwise the arms movements are a simple down & up with the Double steps, and sticks held crossed above head for the shuffles.

Once to yourself & Sequence as Cuckoo's Nest.

C = Chorus:
This is the same each time. Face Opposite at end of figure.
Clash Own sticks, Clash Opposites Right Stick
Clash Own sticks, Clash Opposites Left Stick,
Clash Own sticks, Clash Opposites Right Stick,
Clash Own sticks, Clash Opposites BOTH Sticks,
Half Hey: Repeat all back to place.

Corner Dance Descriptions

Orange and Blue ("The Colours")

Source for tune: A Handbook of Morris Dances, by Lionel Bacon

Once to yourself - Jump.
Sequence is: Foot Up, Chorus 1, Rounds, Chorus 2, Rounds, Chorus 3, Rounds, Chorus 4, Rounds, Whole Hey.

Remember Rounds are 2 doubles starting outside foot, and Galley, (not forming set half way: and return to face opposite.

Each Chorus is danced by Corners in turn; First Corner is dancers 1 & 6, Second Corner is dancers 2 & 5, Third Corner is dancers 3 & 4. After any period on not dancing, start next sequence with 1 Double step, Feet toogether, jump.
Chorus 1. - Face your diagonal, and dance in place: SSL, SSR, Pull forelock with left hand, pull forelock with left, Cross with Corner left shoulders 2 dble steps (left foot lead) and Galley left in new position.
Chorus 2. - Face your diagonal, and dance in place: SSL, SSR, Galley Left without turning, Galley Right, etc. Cross with Corner left shoulders 2 dble steps (left foot lead) and Galley left in new position.
Chorus 3. - Face your diagonal, and dance in place: 4 Kick Capers in place, starting Left Foot, Cross with Corner left shoulders 2 dble steps (left foot lead) and Galley left in new position.
Chorus 4. - Face your diagonal, and dance in place: 4 Split Jumps in place, starting Left Foot, Cross with Corner left shoulders 2 dble steps (left foot lead) and Galley left in new position.
Finish with Whole Hey, ending with 4 Capers up to music.
How Do You Do?

Source for tune: A Handbook of Morris Dances, by Lionel Bacon

Generally - the starting dance of Show

Once to yourself, sequence and chorus sequence, etc as Orange and Blue above.
Chorus 1. - Each Corner in turn: SSL, Shuffle, SSR, Ftj, Pull Forelock Left, Pull forelock Right, Pass Right shoulders with diagonal with 4 Plain Capers.
Chorus 2. - Each Corner in turn: SSL, Shuffle, SSR, Ftj, Galley Left on turn, Galley Right etc, Pass Right shoulders with diagonal with 4 Plain Capers.
Chorus 3. - Each Corner in turn: SSL, Shuffle, SSR, Ftj, Kick Caper Left, Kick Caper Right, Pass Right shoulders with diagonal with 4 Plain Capers.
Chorus 4. - Each Corner in turn: SSL, Shuffle, SSR, Ftj, Split Jump Left, Split Jump Right, Pass Right shoulders with diagonal with 4 Plain Capers.
Lads A-Bunchun

Source for tune: A Handbook of Morris Dances, by Lionel Bacon

Once to yourself, sequence and chorus sequence, etc as Orange and Blue above.
Chorus 1. - Each Corner in turn: SSL, SSR, Pull Forelock Left, Pull forelock Right, Pass Left shoulders with diagonal with 2 Forries, Galley Left, Feet together jump.
Chorus 2. - Each Corner in turn: SSL, SSR, Galley Left on turn, Galley Right etc, Pass Left shoulders with diagonal with 2 Forries, Galley Left, Feet together jump.
Chorus 3. - Each Corner in turn: SSL, Shuffle, SSR, Feet together jump, Pass Left shoulders with diagonal with 2 Kick Capers, Galley Left, Feet together jump.
Chorus 4. - Each Corner in turn: SSL, Shuffle, SSR, Feet together jump, Pass Left shoulders with diagonal with 2 Split Jumps, Galley Left, Feet together jump.
Trunkles

Source for tune: A Handbook of Morris Dances, by Lionel Bacon

Once to yourself, sequence and chorus sequence, etc as Orange and Blue above - except:
Before each Chorus & Final Hey each diagonal pair in turn dance "The Challange", which is 1 Double Step, Feet together Jump and Galley Left. Every pair comes into this movement with a Jump.

Chorus 1. - Each Corner in turn: Pass Left Shoulders with diagonal with 3 Double Steps (Left foot lead), Galley right, Galley Left. Feet together Jump.
Chorus 2. - Each Corner in turn: Pass Left Shoulders with diagonal with 3 Forry capers (left foot lead), Galley right, Galley Left. Feet together Jump.
Chorus 3. - Each Corner in turn: Pass Left Shoulders with diagonal with 3 Kick Capers (Left foot lead), Galley right, Galley Left. Feet together Jump.
Chorus 4. - Each Corner in turn: Pass Left Shoulders with diagonal with 3 Split Jumps (Left foot lead), Galley right, Galley Left. Feet together Jump.
After final Rounds, Each Pair dances "The Challange" and then all dance a Whole Hey.
Monk's March

Source for tune: A Handbook of Morris Dances, by Lionel Bacon

This is a toe & heel dance that The Black Jokers already know, so I have not taught it.
The only difference with the Sherborne Village dance is that in the corners they repeat the diagonal step with their opposite instead of the normal leaning forward with opposite and pushing off into the Half Hey.
See Video of dance for clarification.