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Focus Summer 2017

The Morris Men of Little Egypt have been part of the
Glemsford scene since 1992. Originally set up to support a
Church fête, the Side now dances all over the country and
beyond.
The Little Egypt team are a popular sight in the region during
the late spring and summer months and are regularly seen
dancing at pubs and fetes as well as traditional events such as
mid-summer day.

The History
The name ‘Little Egypt’ is believed to stem from the time the of
the first "Working Man's" election, of 1885. Unfortunately local
land owners and officials were not happy with this new
franchise and forced the men of Glemsford to march to Long
Melford to cast their vote. Unhappy at this imposition, which
meant a loss of wages, a number of fights broke out and the
local militia had to be called. The soldiers involved had lately
returned from the Sudan (and Egypt). So fiercely did the Men
of Glemsford fight that the troops are reputed to have declared
that they fought like "them Egyptians". Since then, Glemsford
has been known as "Little Egypt" - at least, that is one of the
legends.

The Dances

There are many different styles of Morris dance and they vary
according to the traditions that are associated with a Morris
team. Little Egypt dance in the style of “Cotswold Morris”. This
requires the team members to line up in two rows facing each
other and then perform a set sequence of crossovers and turns.
Each dance will last about 5 minutes or until the set
sequence is completed. The dances are usually associated with
a particular tune played on an accordion or other traditional
instrument. Dances can originate from a number of sources but
all will have a traditional root and will be associated with some
form of festivity or event. Our photo shows the team dancing
to celebrate the rise of the morning sun on May Day.

The Music

The Musicians of Little Egypt come from a wide range of
backgrounds. Some have been professionally taught; others
learn by ear. Each one has an extensive knowledge of the
musical styles and history of Morris dancing and its music.
Regular musical instruments include an accordion, a violin, a
flute and a penny whistle and sometimes an improvised drum.

The Costumes

There are many different styles of costume used varying from
the traditional white top and trousers to the black faced teams
and also those who adopt the older -Mummers- costume. Little
Egypt adopt the Cotswold Style and this is the most familiar
costume that people associate with Morris teams. Each team
will have its own variation of the costume and an individual
mix of colours for sashes, rosettes and hats.

If you would like to know more about Little Egypt then go to :
www.little-egypt.org.uk new members are always welcome.

Little Egypt Morris Men

Lords of The Dance

Little Egypt Morris Men - on tour

A tradition in Cotswold Morris is a collection of dances that
come from a particular area, and have something in common:
usually the steps, arm movements, and dance figures. Many
newer traditions are invented by revival teams.

Most Cotswold dances alternate common figures with a
distinctive figure (or chorus). The distinctive figure distinguish-
es that dance from others in the same tradition. Sometimes
(particularly in corner dances) the choruses are not identical,
but have their own sequence specific to the tradition.
Nevertheless, something about the way the chorus is danced
distinguishes that dance from others. Several traditions often
have essentially the same dance, where the name, tune, and
distinctive figure are the same or similar, but each tradition
employs its common figures and style

Dancing to the sun on May Day