Morris Dancing Group Reports Sexist Remarks From Male Dancers

A Morris dancing sexism row has emerged after Heaps Morris, a women-only group from Bristol, reported an "overwhelming" number of "crude" and "gross" remarks from male Morris dancers. The troupe, established in 2023, stated that these comments have made members "outright uncomfortable" and have "near ruined dance outs for a number of members."

Heaps Morris, which dances in the traditional Cotswold-style and describes itself as a "vibrant group of female-identifying dancers," outlined its grievances on social media. "To be clear - it is never, ever relevant, funny, or necessary to make crude, dodgy, gross comments on our appearances, how our kit makes you feel, our underwear, how you feel about other female Morris dancers etc etc.," the group posted. The troupe noted that excuses such as "that's just what he's like" or "he's just old fashioned" are unacceptable.

The group, named after the "heaps of dross" found at Troopers Hill in Bristol, wears white dresses with pink accessories and often includes shorts underneath for modesty. Heaps Morris emphasized that their statement was not intended to "demonise male Morris dancers," adding, "we love our Morris friends! We're just tired."

Scores of other Morris dancing groups have offered support to Heaps Morris. Chelmsford Morris, based in Essex, thanked the group for speaking out, agreeing that "excuses of the past are no longer (and never were) valid." Pensans Morris echoed this sentiment, stating that "so many women are just so used to it it gets dismissed as expected if not acceptable. We all need to do more."