Who are we?
Mad Tatters Morris is a community, mixed gender group who perform traditional
Morris dance from English villages along the Welsh border.
We started dancing in 2012. Since then we have performed at venues
across Western Australia, and we have danced three times at
International Dance Festivals in Shanghai!
Dressed in our colourful ‘Tatter coats’ top hats and feathers, we
dance with sticks and are accompanied by musicians playing
melodeons, whistle and drums.
We perform at community festivals, markets and fetes; we laugh
a lot and support each other.
Our aim is to have fun, socialise, keep fit and give lively public
performances to keep the spirit of Morris dancing alive at
community events and festivals.
We are greeted with joy by our audiences who react positively to our
sense of fun and enthusiasm.
It’s like folk dancing with ATTITUDE!
Why join us?
We are a friendly and interesting bunch of people from a variety
of different backgrounds.
It’s a way to make new friends and visit different community
events for free!
Dancing is good for you. It’s terrific aerobic exercise, it keeps
us physically and mentally fit.
It’s great fun. Especially when we laugh at ourselves!
When we dance together and hear the music, we get a “buzz”
i.e. a great feeling inside.
We get to dress up in colourful costumes and wear terrific hats.
Best of all IT’S FREE!
EVERYONE is welcome.
Where do we practice?
Practice:
When:
Where:
Train:
Cost:
Parking:
Every Tuesday night.
7.00-9.00pm
Guildford Town Hall,
Corner of James St and Meadow Street,
Guildford, Perth, WA
3 minutes from Guildford Train Station
Free
Free
Find us here on Google maps
Bring along your good self, a sense of humour, wear comfortable clothing and lace up shoes (for safety).
No partner or experience needed.
Our practices and parking are free!!!!
Come and meet us and join in the fun. You watch if you like and join in if you feel like it! (But we hope you will have a go).
Bring a bottle of water.
History of Morris dancing
The Morris tradition was first documented in Shakespeare’s day in the 1600s. However, the tradition goes back a long, long way into the mists of time.
Illustration of William Kempe Morris dancing from London to Norwich in 1600
An interesting documentary by Left Hand Path Documentaires about the history of Morris Dancing and the many ways of which it can be interpreted.
Morris dancers and a hobby horse: detail of Thames at Richmond, with the Old Royal Palace, c. 1620
Mad Tatters Photos and Videos
Mad Tatters Morris perform Omsi Gomsi at Perth Morris Men's 40th Anniversary Celebrations in Hay Street Mall.
Mad Tatters Morris dancing Hunters Moon on the banks of the Huangpu River, Shanghai, as part of the Third International Folk Fitness Dance Conference, Shanghai. Saturday 18 October 2014.
Mad Tatters Morris perform ‘Covid hey’ danced at Earlsferry House in Guildford , Perth
In response to the COVID restrictions, the Mad Tatters Morris danced a variation of ‘Shepherds Hey’ (a Morris dance from the Cotswolds in England). The dance idea was developed by Terry Sweet, a melodeon musician in the team and demonstrates ‘Social distancing, hand washing, cough covering, elbow greetings’.
Morris Music
We welcome new musicians. Currently, we have people who play piano accordion, button accordion, bass guitar, pipe and tabor (small drum). We have a Google Drive full of you tubes of dances and recordings AND the dots for those who prefer to read music.
FAQ
Do I need previous dancing experience?
No, not at all. We teach dances each week and welcome newcomers and go through dances slowly. We have you tubes of dances which also help beginners.
.I see you dance in Tatter Coats. Are they difficult to make?
We have easy instructions for those who wish to perform with us. Also, we have some Tatter coats and hats available for short term loan.
Do I need to be fit in order to dance?
To dance you need to be steady on your feet and able to walk fast, or preferably, be able to skip. As you get used to the dances you will find your fitness and agility improves.
Dancing Morris style is a cardio-fitness level of exercise. You dance for 3 or 4 minutes at a time and then rest between dances.
Can I be a musician with you?
Yes, the dance tunes are simple mostly in the key of D or G. We would love to recruit tuba or other brass players.
Where do you practise?
Guildford Town Hall, Corner of James St and Meadow Street, Guildford, Perth
Entrance at to the hall at the rear of the building. It’s a historic art deco building with a sprung wooden dance floor.
How often do you perform at festivals and events?
We usually perform on average once a month or less, on a Saturday or Sunday. Usually we perform for about 25 minutes with a rest break of about an hour between each. We enjoy attending a variety of events e.g. Medaeval fairs, arts festivals, markets, vineyards, pubs and small farm field days.
How young or old can dancers be?
Our youngest dancer is 14 and attends practice with his grandfather. Our oldest dancer is over 70.
Contact us
For further information to book us for events or to join us
please contact our Squire, Christine
Phone
Christine 0438 761 611
madtattersmorris@iinet.com.au
Dancers and Muso’s welcome
Practice nights Tuesdays 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Guildford Town Hall (corner James Street and Meadow Street Guildford)
