We are Beltane Border
With dances emerging from the myths, legends and wilds of Dartmoor, Beltane prove that morris dancing can be older than tradition. With shadowed faces, tattered coats and black top hats, the musicians and dancers drum up the energy of the moor and share something ancient and mysterious with all who watch.
Beginning as all-female side ‘The Iron Maidens’ in 2000, we are still ‘women with attitude’(our motto!) and dance in the border morris style using sticks (never hankies!). We have adapted some traditional border morris dances with the obligatory Beltane fire, but most of our repertoire is self-penned. We write new dances together over the winter with our musicians seeking out the best tune to suit the mood and style of the dance. Our musicians play mainly traditional tunes adding their own arrangements to give them the Beltane edge.
Music, dance and fiery energy come together to create a truly exceptional and extraordinary performance; loved and appreciated by morris and non-morris folk alike.
We are Beltane Border Morris.
Why we disguise ourselves while we dance…
Beltane live
Come and see us perform live at a pub out on Thursday evenings during the summer, or at one of the summer festivals anywhere in the country (also see our LIVE section for full details). We hibernate in the winter to train up new dancers, write new dances, emerging only for special winter occasions such as the Wassail in January.
———Click on the pictures for event details———
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