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It was from Whitstable's fame for oysters that the name Oyster Morris was adopted by a group of women who began to dance in the mid 1970s. The men soon followed, so that Oyster Morris now has a men's side and a women's side. We dance a vigorous Cotswold style. The music, played mainly on melodeons, or sometimes a flute, is a mixture of traditional and original tunes arranged to complement our dancing.
Our energetic style and colourful performance has won acclaim at folk festivals and on tours. We have danced in Germany, Belgium and France, as well as in many different parts of England, but are most commonly to be found in our native Kent. Oyster Morris is based in Canterbury, but our dancers come from Faversham and Whitstable too, plus some from even further afield. Our Green Man, who combines the roles of jester and announcer, symbolises in his make-up and costume of white and green the endlessly changing seasons and, in particular, the new life of springtime. The spirit of spring is also represented by the Jack-in-the-Green figure, which is central to the Whitstable May Day celebrations, the highlight of the Oyster Morris Calender. We hope that you enjoy our dancing and, if you would like to join us, whether as a dancer or musician, novice or otherwise, we will be delighted to welcome you at practices. Our dancing season runs from April through to September, with one dance-out at Christmas. The new practice season begins in September. Contact details, should you wish to join, or book us for an event, can be found here.
The Oyster Men practice on Monday evenings at the Mill Centre, Mill Lane, Bridge, starting at 8.15pm. |