WELCOME TO OUR HOME PAGE

WE are NANCY BUTTERFLY - a Morris Dance side based in the Redditch and Bromsgrove areas of Worcestershire. We draw our dancers and musicians from a wide area. New dancers and musicians are welcome to join us - contact us for details, or speak to us at one of our events-we welcome newcomers at all standards. The only qualification needed is enthusiasm! The side have been dancing for over 25 years, and celebrated this anniversary in July 2005. (Photos)

See the original sketch map by Norman Neasom RWS, RBSA, (from which the name 'Nancy Butterfly' was derived).

We dance in the North-West Morris tradition. This is a style which is both exuberant, energetic and keeps you fit! More info.

Amongst the many things which distinguish it from the other Morris traditions are the distinctive clogs which can be seen and heard during our performances!

NANCY BUTTERFLY hope to keep the tradition alive and therefore welcome bookings to dance at local fetes, charity events and hostelries . Contact us to check our availability.

We are members of the Morris Federation.

LATEST ! Site updated - June 2009

There has been a lot of recent debate, provoked by comments from the Morris Ring, about the supposed demise of Morris dancing. (For lots of interesting views see here.)
Why not come along to one of our events and judge for yourself!

Nancy Butterfly are on FACEBOOK connect here.

NB. We are RECRUITING! (All dancers/musicians welcome - practices ongoing (times and dates HERE)- or contact us for details)

2009 Events:

Nancy Butterfly have appeared at various events throughout the summer:

Titanic Event at Evesham!

For 'iceberg' read 'riverbank' and for 'sinking' read 'stuck'! But that was sufficient excitement as once again Nancy Butterfly were very grateful for an invitation from Pebworth Morris to the Vale of Evesham National Morris Weekend - including an eventful boat trip. Fortunately the skills of the crew and a tow from the other boat were enough to release some members of the team from their predicament. Nancy Butterfly members on the prow of a river boat Pictured are other worried(?) looking members of the team on the rescue boat!

However, a short delay didn't prevent a very successful day - the considerable efforts of the organisers were much appreciated:(more photos)

Dancing in Evesham Dancing in Evesham High Street

Nancy Butterfly felt very privileged to be be teamed up with NYFTE the National Youth Folklore Troupe of England on the tour. The breadth and level of skills on view did great credit to the youngsters involved, (and their hard working leaders). It was great to see the enjoyment, and the optimism engendered which runs counter to some of the pessimistic views referred to above.

NYFTE in action:
The NYFTE orchestra in action NYFTE members performing a rapper dance

Other Summer events:

Entertaining the residents at Burcot Grange: Dancing on the patio for the residents at Burcot Grange

Helping raise funds for the church at Hagley Hall Dancing alongside vintage cars at Hagley Hall

Supporting a summer event at Harvington Hall: dancing in the courtyard at Harvington

More Photos in the gallery.

The Dodford Inn has reopened following a successful campaign to save it from development. (Photos)
Dancing in front of the newly reopened Dodford Inn

We had luck with the weather again at the Upton Festival (photos)

The Open Morris Event in Nottingham on March 28th attracted more than 60 sides from all traditions.
Happy smiling dancer in Nottingham
More pictures from Nottingham

Some of last years events:

Christmas Dance-out: at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, (Saturday 29th November - cold!) Dancing at a cold Avoncroft museum

Not the usual Nancy Butterfly weather! - However, the tour of some Derbyshire villages and pubs, (not to mention an outstanding carvery at the Shepherd's Rest), was still great fun. Thanks to Ripley Morris for the invitation. Some more photos here.

Evesham Vale Weekend! - Guests of Pebworth Morris (Sat 14th June). Our tour, which we shared with Cam Valley Morris, and the highly entertaining 'Flagcrackers of Craven' included a delightful trip down the river Avon. Thanks to Pebworth for their hard work and smooth organisation. Some more photos here.

Woodstock! - Nancy Butterfly dancing in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, as guests of Mason's Apron (Sat 7th June). See more photos of the event, here.

NEW KIT LAUNCHED! - Nancy Butterfly's updated kit was unveiled at this year's Upton Folk Festival (Sat 3rd May). See more photos of the event, including some of the other sides taking part, here.

Nancy Butterfly wearing their updated kit

Thanks to Glorishears of Brummagem for the invitation to their 25th anniversary celebrations. More photos of Butterfly and other sides at this event, are now in the gallery.

Nancy Butterfly in Chamberlain Square Birmingham