Adelaide · South Australia · Est. 1979
Keeping the tradition of English morris dancing alive and vibrant in the heart of South Australia, welcoming dancers and musicians of all genders, backgrounds, and abilities.
Who We Are
The Adelaide Morris has been dancing the streets, parks, pubs, and stages of Adelaide since 1979. We are South Australia's premier morris dancing side, affiliated with both the Australian Morris Ring and the English Morris Ring.
We dance in the Cotswold tradition, the iconic style of the English Midlands. Our dances draw from a range of village traditions including Bledington, Adderbury, Headington, Badby, and more.
Our kit is unmistakable: crisp whites, red and white baldricks, black top hats, and the jingle of bells. Whether we're dancing at a pub, a festival, or a village green, we bring colour, energy, and tradition to every performance.
We proudly welcome dancers and musicians of all genders and all abilities. The Adelaide Morris is an inclusive side: if you love music, dance, and community, there's a place for you here.
Founded in Adelaide · 1979The Tradition
Morris dancing is one of England's oldest and most distinctive folk traditions: a centuries-old form of ritual dance performed with sticks, handkerchiefs, swords, and bells. Far from a museum piece, it's a living tradition danced by passionate sides across the world.
Each dance is set to traditional folk tunes played live, typically on a melodeon, fiddle, or pipe and tabor. The dances are energetic, precise, and endlessly varied across regional traditions.
The jingle of bells tied below the knee is the sound of Cotswold morris. Combined with white kit, coloured baldricks, and hats, the appearance is as distinctive as the dancing itself.
Different English villages developed their own dance styles over centuries. We perform from multiple traditions (Bledington, Headington, Adderbury, and more) each with its own character and music.
Gallery
Where to Find Us
The Adelaide Morris performs throughout the year at festivals, markets, pubs, fairs, and community events across South Australia. If you hear bells, come find us.
We're available for bookings at festivals, corporate events, weddings, school performances, and private functions. Every performance brings an authentic slice of living English tradition to your event.
Thursdays, 7:30 to 10:00 pm
Location varies, but somewhere close to the Adelaide CBD
Get Involved
No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm. We welcome new dancers and musicians of all genders, all abilities, and all backgrounds. We teach everything from scratch, and we'll work with you wherever you're starting from.
New members are always welcome. Come along to a Thursday practice and see what it's all about. Your first visit is always free, and there's no obligation.
Get in Touch
Whether you'd like to book us for an event, come along to a practice, or find out more about joining as a dancer or musician, we'd love to hear from you.