Morris in Dubai

Subject: Morris in Dubai
From: pavane
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 02:06 PM

Just posted a few old pictures from my days in Dubai on my web site here . These are from 1980 to 1982, showing Morris, Rapper and folk. Does anyone know if Dubai-Sharjah Morris are still in existence?

Subject: RE: Morris in Dubai
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 04:27 PM

Cool pictures! I looked for Dubai on the Morris Links page but found nothing.

Subject: RE: Morris in Dubai
From: Noreen
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 04:43 PM

Good pictures... a bit hotter than the normal dancing environment... and drier? :0)

As for 'Unadopted Woad'.... groan...

Subject: RE: Morris in Dubai
From: pavane
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 05:42 PM

I was NOT responsible for that name - sorry but I was outvoted. But we did do the Woad song. (or does that make it worse?)

Yes it got rather hot - about 110 F in those pictures. But Dubai was (is still?) NOT dry. Resident non-muslims could obtain a permit to buy alcohol.

Guess who the musician was - standing in the shade while the dancers were in the sun? Yup. Me.

Subject: RE: Morris in Dubai
From: Noreen
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 07:03 PM

Lovely picture of the baby in the carrier while you're playing. :0)

I remember now, A friend who works out there on occasion described it as the customer being licensed, as opposed to the premises...

Subject: RE: Morris in Dubai
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 10:56 PM

Pavane! I had no idea Morris dancing existed in Dubai. Which reminds me, I once heard of a theory that the word "Morris" derives from "Moorish" and that it was brought back by the crusaders from the Middle East. Does that seem credible to you? Is there ANY kind of traditional dancing done by men in that area? How did the local people like seeing Morris dancers?

Subject: RE: Morris in Dubai
From: pavane
Date: 26 Sep 01 - 04:17 AM

Morris dancing went down quite well. The majority of the population are from the Indian subcontinent, where there are dances with some similarities.

Islam discourages dancing, and the local dance seems to be swaying to the music, while holding swords.

I thought the 'Moorish' theory had been discredited years ago. In former times, dancers (and mummers) may have disguised themselves by blacking their faces, which may have been the origin of the theory.

Notes: Dubai-Sharjah Morris were founded in 1977 by an ex-member of Dartington Morris (Doug Smith). There were also sides at various times in Bahrain (St Georges), Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Riyadh, and possibly others I didn't hear about.

Subject: RE: Morris in Dubai
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Apr 15 - 12:27 PM

I was part of the Dubai & Sharjah Morris Team in 1980, and remember you playing with your baby on your back. I have recently joined the Fishbourne Mill Morris team from Chichester in West Sussex and I am dancing out tonight for the first time in 35 years.

From Ken Dean

Subject: RE: Morris in Dubai
From: Abdul The Bul Bul
Date: 23 Apr 15 - 01:09 PM

There is local folk dance in Dubai, as here mainly for special occasions but I never saw any Morris during my time there.In Dubai the dance is a male thing.
Al

Subject: RE: Morris in Dubai
From: GUEST,Looking for Morris Dancers in 2018
Date: 05 Feb 18 - 03:12 AM

Please email me on [e-mail] if you have a contact email address for any morris dancers in 2018.

Urgent response needed as needed for a an International Day event on Thursday 22nd February. This will be at one of the oldest schools in Dubai. We are a British school celebrating all nations :)

Thanks in advance
x

Subject: RE: Morris in Dubai
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 05 Feb 18 - 05:19 PM

I am doing my annual trip to Dubai to deliver some INSET to school librarians but alas not until April - my dancing days are mostly over but still play! Which school are you at?