Article Contributed on: 5/4/2009 8:38:34 AM
The Maroon Bells and Breathless in Berthoud teamed up May 1 to perform Morris dance at the Irving Street Branch Library, 7392 Irving St., Westminster.
Morris tradition states that anyone who sees a Morris dance will experience prosperity for a year and Morris troupes typically dance at dawn the first day in May to ensure the sun will rise for the next year, said
Robin Smith, Maroon Bells squire, aka spokesman.
According to an information page about Breathless in Berthoud, "For at least 500 years, teams of English men and women have dressed in ribbons and bells, waved handkerchiefs and clashed sticks together, and, to music of pipe and tabor, fiddle, concertina, or accordion, danced the Morris. The Morris is a performance, not a social dance. It appears to be very ancient, but historical evidence before the Middle Ages is scarce. The Morris is traditional, dynamic, mysterious and a little absurd."
When asked why he participates in Morris dance, Smith said, "It brings good crops, good fertility and good beer."
The Maroon Bells and Breathless in Berthoud are comprised of members from all over the Denver-metro area.
For more information about Breathless in Berthoud, go to
www.breathlessbordermorris.org.
For more information about The Maroon Bells, go to
www.maroonbellsmorris.org.