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Origins of Armaleggan
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Main Contact for Armaleggan in now via MySpace page
go to www.myspace.com-armaleggan
The idea for this contemporary Border Morris side sprung from Mark and Debbie Roberts, two ex-members of Cry Havoc the Botley based Cotswold Morris creation of Paul Ferrett & Ruth Hovmand.
Having danced with Cry Havoc for 7 years, this gave them the springboard from which they wished to try to attract younger people into performing energetic and maybe radically different Morris dancing, which while respecting historic folk traditions, would also help to create Morris for the New Age.
Why Armaleggan? - well as the concept was to attempt to create a side in which younger people would be prepared to participate in and give their energy to The Morris, it had to be “explosive” to compete with other more modern pastimes. Furthermore what else can you relate to when dancing if not your arms and your legs?
We have been very much influenced by groups such as “The Wild Hunt”, who have taken aspects of Morris Dancing back to its even earlier roots of pre-Christian ritual and build into their dancing levels of performance and drama to make it entertaining for many more of their spectators than just those with serious interest in traditional folk dance. As we develop from our current mix of youth, some experience and an overriding desire to create something new, we hope you will enjoy seeing and maybe even joining in with some of our performances.
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Armaleggan Special Events
As well as dancing out in our local area and at events organised by others, we are keen to provide small scale events close to where we live and particularly for people in our home areas. (Oxford - Banbury)
Whilst there is no specific known links between morris dancing and the Celtic fire festivals we still feel that the dance is an appropriate way of marking these ancient festivals and so for the last 2 years have arranged a celebration of both "Imbolc" (1st Feb) and "Beltane" (1st May)
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Botley May Morning
On May Day we arise before dawn and gather with any others wishing to come, to witness the sunrise at a hill close to where the founder members of the side live in Botley. People attending are asked to bring something to share whether it be a song, a reading, floral decorations or food and drink.
A Beltane fire is lit, kindled from the remnants of previous years dried decorations and after songs dances and poems it is customary to jump the fire with those partners and friends with whom you wish the strength of the new summer to maintain your relationship.
A large staff / garland are decorated with floral sprays and/or personal tokens and this is carried with Armaleggan during the later part of the day when we dance.
The final part of the morning before returning to a mass breakfast involves a ribbon dance which will produce a wildly platted tail, which each year will be tied off and fixed also to the staff as a record of the year's event.
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Imbolc
The Imbolc celebration is somewhat different in its atmosphere as we hold this in the evening which in February is still very dark. The awakening spring is represented by a small candle flame, from which torches are lit and used in a few special dances. The torches are then held for us by members of the audience, to illuminate our other dances, this creates a warm and friendly atmosphere before we all retire to the pub for food and song.
We are very happy for anyone with an interest in these type of events to come along and join in. Please contact Mark or Debbie on our contact details listed.
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