KITS COTY MORRIS -- Maidstone's Morris Side since 1977!

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Our season traditionally begins on May Day, as depicted here at the Kits Coty Stones, near Aylesford, Maidstone,

Kent

, at dawn. Dancing begins precisely at dawn, so wear warm clothing! Of course, you may not wish to arise so early, so the remainder of the season you may find us at a more reasonable hour, dancing outside the venues listed on our Programme page.

COTSWOLD MORRIS DANCING: The tradition of Morris Dancing as performed by Kits Coty Morris was originally that seen in the Cotswold area of the English South Midlands.

Morris Dancing was first mentioned in the 15^th century, but probably contained elements from dances and rituals of a much earlier period. As few people were able to write in those far off days, it is possible that it occurred to nobody to record what the local peasants were getting up to on May Day.

By the end of the last century, Morris dancing had all but died out, and it was only due to the enthusiasm of folk song collectors such as Cecil Sharp, who were determined to preserve a little of 'Merrie England', that it survived at all.

Since the Morris revival in the C20th, the Cotswold style of Morris Dancing has spread throughout the land and as far as possible recreates the dances and music as remembered and demonstrated by the few remaining performers.

KITS COTY MORRIS has been performing dances in the Cotswold tradition since 1976 and is now a mixed side. Although women dancing "the Morris" have been frowned upon by purists, there were ladies noted dancing at various Cotswold villages as long ago as 1679.

Kits Coty House,

depicted in our emblem, is an ancient megalith standing on Bluebell Hill, north of Maidstone.

The name is thought to have derived from either "Kid Coit' (tomb in the wood) or from a 17^th century shepherd who sheltered under it from the weather - or perhaps his wife!

IGGY, our guiser, represents Iguanodon Mantelli who roamed the Maidstone area approximately 140 million years ago, and also appears on the Maidstone coat of arms. He was discovered in 1834, lurking in a quarry in the Queen's Road area. Feeding him with coins of the realm ensures the "luck of the Morris", fine weather, fertility and it also benefits local charities.

If you would like to join KITS COTY MORRIS, our practice season begins on Thursday 05 October 2006 in East Farleigh WI Hall starting at 8.30pm; you will be most welcome.

Alternatively, if you would like us to participate in your fete, festival, or frolic next year, please contact our Escribe:

Betty Tuur on 01634 244503

ginga@dsl.pipex.com