The Flagcrackers of Craven, an energetic Border morris team, are inviting locals to join their lively community through a series of free taster sessions in October. Following a busy performance season across the region, the group is now offering a unique opportunity for people of all ages to experience this exciting and traditional form of dance.
Free taster sessions at Farnihill Institute
The Farnihill Institute will host the introductory taster sessions on Wednesday evenings throughout October at 7 pm. These sessions offer newcomers a chance to get hands-on experience with Border morris dancing, known for its energetic stick clashing, clog-wearing performers, and vibrant tatter jackets. With no experience needed, attendees can dive straight into the rhythmic movements and learn about the rich history behind the tradition.
Engaging the Skipton community
In addition to the taster sessions, members of the Flagcrackers of Craven will be taking to the streets of Skipton on weekends throughout October. Dressed in their distinctive costumes, they’ll be interacting with locals, sharing stories, and providing information about what it’s like to be part of a morris dancing team.
Julie Greenwood, Squire of the Flagcrackers, explains the benefits of these informal street walkabouts:
“When we’re actually performing there isn’t always much time to chat to the public about what we’re doing, so the autumn informal walkabouts give us a chance to do that. We are always looking to grow the side; everyone is welcome and this is the perfect time of year for newbies to join so they have several months to learn the dances ahead of the 2025 season.”
A long-standing tradition with a modern twist
The Flagcrackers of Craven were formed in Skipton in 1988, adopting the traditional style of Border morris. Characterised by brightly coloured jackets, clogs, and painted faces, Border morris is both visually striking and highly energetic. The tradition, however, isn’t just about the dance; it’s also about community. The group regularly travels to festivals, often camping together during the summer months, making it a social activity for people of all ages.
Whether you’re looking for a creative outlet, an opportunity to stay active, or just a fun way to meet new people, morris dancing offers something for everyone.
2024: A season of performances across the region
This year, the Flagcrackers have had an eventful season, starting with performances in Darlington in the spring, followed by appearances at the Holmfirth Festival, the Austwick Cuckoo Festival, and local events in Skipton, Gargrave, and Crosshills during their summer tour. They concluded their busy season with performances at Saltburn Festival in August and the Otley Folk Festival in September.
The group is already looking forward to revisiting many of these festivals in 2025, with Greenwood reflecting on her fifteen-year journey with the Flagcrackers:
“We’re looking forward to return visits to some of those again for 2025.”
Learning and perfecting the dances
With a repertoire of around 12 dances practised annually, each routine features complex moves where 4, 6, or 8 dancers work in synchronisation. Winter, often seen as the quiet time for morris dancing, is when the side refines these dances, teaching newcomers and allowing seasoned members to practise from different positions. The winter months also provide the perfect opportunity to improve stepping and stick-handling techniques, setting the side up for a strong start in the new season.
For those intrigued by the idea of learning morris dancing or simply keen to find out more, the Flagcrackers’ taster sessions offer a welcoming space to get involved and discover the joys of this traditional art form.
