History of Leeds Morris men

Leeds Morris Men have been dancing for over 70 years. The club was founded by a group of Leeds University lecturers and research students in 1950 as part of the University Folk Dance Club and grew steadily through the 1950s with a lot of men joining the team. During that decade the club started the Dales Tour. During the 1960s the club went through lean times with some of the key people in the club moving away. The club however continued to organise and take part in the annual Dales Tour which continues to be an annual reunion between all members of the club. In the 1970s the club recruited a large number of men. This growth in numbers continued through the 1980s and 1990s. 2012 saw the 60th Diamond Dales Tour.

The Dales Tour

The highlight of the year for Leeds Morris men remains the tour of the Yorkshire Dales, which has taken place every year without a break from 1953 . The Saturday tour has always been based mainly in Airedale and Malhamdale, but the focus of the Monday tour has changed over the years from only visiting Wharfedale, to then also visiting Wensleydale. The Monday tour always begins at 10.00 am in Kettlewell, and the first dance is always The Rose from Field Town. Nowadays this dance is performed in remembrance of all Leeds Morris men who have now passed on.

Other teams

If you would take up Morris dancing there are many teams across the UK (and internationally) who dance a range of different morris styles. You can search for teams in your local area here https://sidefinder.heusos.co.uk/map.php

Would you like us to perform at your event

We are happy to dance at any occasion, large or small. Please contact us to check our availability and discuss arrangements.