You can dance

UKTV’s Blighty is teaming up with Strictly Come Dancing designers Chrisanne to produce new Morris dancing outfits. The revamp of the costumes are in a bid to encourage younger generations to buy into the classic English past time.

Dance costume specialists Chrisanne unveil the new design as a survey reveals how 40 % of Brits are put off the folk tradition by the dated bell and bead clad uniform associated with the dance. According to the survey 28% of the 2,000 questioned stated that they would be more likely to sign up for Morris classes if the outfits were more flattering and in keeping with the ‘sexier’ dance wear used in contemporary dance. Last year, Head of the Morris Ring Brian Tasker said: “I feel the costume Morris dancers wear doesn’t help. If you modernised our costume you might attract more interest. Right now it’s just not perceived as a young person’s activity.”

The dancewear retains the signature essence of the Morris attire but incorporates contemporary features including decorative sequins and sparkly low cut fabrics, similar to the styles on display in TV dance shows. Designers Chrisanne are best known as creators of iconic costumes showcased on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing on Ice. Head Designer Joanne Irvine led the team.