Morris dancing could be extinct within 20 years because young people are too embarrassed to take part, it has been claimed.
Morris dancing could be extinct within 20 years because young people are too embarrassed to take part, it has been claimed.
The numbers participating in the traditional, predominately English, folk dance are dwindling while the age of the dancers is increasing, according to the Morris Ring, which represents more than 200 Morris troupes.
It is warning that "unless younger blood is recruited during the coming months, Morris dancing will soon become extinct".
Charlie Corcoran, Bagman of the Morris Ring, said: "There's a distinct possibility that in 20 years there will be nobody left.
"It worries me a great deal. Young people are just too embarrassed to take part.
"This is a serious situation. The average age of Morris dancing sides is getting older and older. Once we've lost this part of our culture it will be almost impossible to revive it."
The Morris Ring is hoping a winter recruitment drive could attract some new younger members in time for the spring, when most troupes perform the dances they have been practising.
Paul Reece, chairman of the advisory council of the Morris Ring, said: "There is still time for new blood to get ready for the spring fertility offensive.
"Such customs and activities were once a common sight around the country. Today they are carried out by an ever-dwindling stalwart band of enthusiasts."
Morris dancing was once banned in Scotland because it was "too much fun". While other traditional forms of folk dancing, such as clog dancing, still exist in Scotland, the Banchory Morris Men, established in 1973, in Aberdeenshire is the only group north of the border.
The group's Don French said that while numbers had declined a few years ago, they had "picked up" more recently. At present, the Banchory group is made up mostly of English-born enthusiasts and only a few members are Scottish.
