morris+dancing

media type="youtube" key="RZjLATAUwao" height="364" width="445" A **morris dance** is a form of English folk dance usually accompanied by music. It is based on rhythmic stepping. props such as sticks, swords, and handkerchiefs may also be wielded by the dancers. In a small number of dances for one or two men, steps are performed near and across a pair of clay tobacco pipes laid across each other on the floor. however there is no mention of "morris" dancing earlier than the late 15th century. The earliest records mention "Morris dancing" in a court, and both men and women are mentioned as dancing, and a little later in the Lord Mayors' Processions in London. In the modern day, it is mostly English activity. Normally it is used to greet important guests or in competitions but it is mostly used socially.