The Bells of the North

Men will tell you that Morris dancing has been done, throughout history, primarily by men. However, the discerning individual knows that "more experienced" doesn't necessarily mean "better". Rumor has it that women have been dancing the Morris in droves (and loving it) ever since World War I, when the men in England left their villages, and the Queen encouraged women to preserve the dance tradition. Even before the War, however, Mary Neal brought Morris dancing and women together in the Esperance League. In any case, having discovered that we liked having a night out once a week, there was no going back.


Here's a team photo, including a few future Morris dancers, taken last May day (May 1st, 1998). We celebrate the onset of spring, as most Morris teams do, by dancing for sunrise on May first. Gluttons for punishment, we often dance for the rest of the day, too. The Bells were founded in 1979, making us the second team in Minnesota. A few of our more "senior" members like to point out that they've been dancing for most of that time, but we also take apprentice dancers on a regular basis. If you are interested in joining the team or booking us, contact our squire, Karen Peed, by Email or by phone at (612) 434-4323. If you want to see this spirited bunch of women in action, you can visit our Wednesday night practice in Minneapolis, or catch us dancing around town or at one of our many gigs during the summer. Bring chocolate, and you will be welcome!

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