This is a body of research

which has developed over a thirty+ year period. In that time we have investigated references in libraries and archives in search of the forgotten dances and ceremonials of the North-East Midlands. Field work undertaken by Paul Davenport in the villages of Holderness uncovered hitherto unknown dance traditions. This research is available to support the efforts of any group wishing to set up a dance team or project. 

From our early starting point in East Yorkshire we have been able to attract support from a number of researchers and contributors. The result is a developing and comprehensive body of information on morris type traditions in areas where no such dances were previously believed to exist. We are currently examining the links between sword and morris traditions which have recently been uncovered in the North Notts. and West Lincs. areas. Already we have evidence of a second ‘Horn - Dance’  tradition from this area which contrasts with the famous example from Abbotts Bromley in Staffordshire and which sheds light on that better known example. In late 2009 we discovered evidence for the existence of the previously un-recorded North Elmsall sword dance from the Pontefract area of Yorkshire.

We are developing several outreach projects in this area which include audio-visual materials on comparative choreography as well as a ‘trainspotter’s’ guide to morris and sword dance. An extensive database is available for consultation and contains detail of dance ceremonials from the whole of England in addition to the Hallamshire area of the North Midlands.

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