There's no old men dressed in silly costumes, prancing around in circles and bashing sticks above their heads. This is morris dancing, modern style. And judging by the amount of young people crammed into St Boniface's Social Club in Lower Broughton last Thurdsay night, it's never been as popular.
"We've got forty people on our books in every age up to thirty, including my son who is 13" says Salford Stars trainer, Gillian Rowlands above the loud r' n' b background of Ne-Yo's Beautiful Monsters. It's all a far cry from some Lancashire, finger in yer ear folk dirge.
"This is morris dancing but it's nothing like the traditional dancing – there's no bells around their ankles or sticks or anything" adds Gillian "We do have bells on our thumbs and shakers now. This morris dancing has been going for years, before I was born, so it is traditional now."
The Salford Stars Morris Troupe started in Charlestown almost thirty ago and now takes part in competitions all over the North West. This year alone, the troupe has won an incredible eight trophies at the younger end of Greater Manchester Morris Dancing Association (GMMDA) competitions, which places the Salford troupe as the best in the county. But as well as winning dance-offs, the Stars has a wider role too…
"We do it both to gets the kids out, and for parents to meet other parents" says Gillian, who herself was a morris dancer when she was little.
"You work hard, keep fit and it can get you somewhere" she adds "We've had a few girls who have gone on from here to college to do dance and have come out with degrees. It's an achievement for them, and I'm happy for every one of them."
Anyone can join the Salford Stars Morris Troupe which meets on Tuesday and Thurday nights 6-8pm at St Boniface's Social Club, Lower Broughton Road. It's only £1 per night.
For further details phone St Boniface's on 0161 792 4336.
* On Friday 28th October St Boniface's is also holding a Spooky Halloween Party from 6pm onwards for all ages. There's hot food and spooky music and it's only £1 per person entry.
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