Sheila Boxshall

If you’re looking for something different and that’s active and social then clog dancing is worth thinking about. Don’t be put off by thinking you’ll never be able to do it (like we all thought at one time) because we will support you every step of the way until you fall in love with it and are ready to go.

I am Libbie (the real leader!) and we are Bows ‘n’ Belles, a North West Clog Morris dancing team (ladies) based near Colchester in Essex. Morris dancing has many styles and North West (from the English mill towns of Lancashire and Cheshire where clogs were worn and where the workers mimicked the sounds of the looms with their feet) is just one of them. Dancing is performed in sets of eight so you are never alone, and has been described as a more regimented style of dance insofar as lines are important.

The best thing to do to see if you like it is to come and have a look and if you feel like it have a go at one of our practices. We usually meet on a Thursday evening 8.00 – 10.00 pm (currently at Copford Village Hall). You won’t need anything to begin with – we just wear trainers at practices. During the summer months we dress in kit and dance out at various venues, near and far, wearing our clogs. Sometimes we are paid, sometimes we do it for charity and sometimes we do it just because we want to. We provide kit but you will need to buy clogs at some stage. If you like us and what we do – keeping alive the tradition - and want to join our annual membership is only £20.

Alternatively if you would like me (and maybe some of the team for demonstration purposes) to come to you with a view to teaching a dance then get in contact. In the past we have helped the Guides, local schools, a theatrical company who included a Morris dance in their play and other morris teams learn a new dance.

If you prefer playing an instrument then you will be equally welcome (ladies or gentlemen). Instruments currently played include an accordion, drum, banjo, trombone, and melodeon.

For more information and answers to your questions ring 01206 240682 and ask for Sue, our Secretary, or email to [email protected]