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. The side celebrated their 25th anniversary in July 2005. (Photos)
See the original sketch map by Norman Neasom RWS, RBSA, (from which the name 'Nancy Butterfly' was derived).
There is an ongoing 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!
NB. We are still RECRUITING! (All dancers/musicians welcome - practices ongoing (times and dates HERE)- or contact us for details)The main qualification needed is enthusiasm!
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. Due to work commitments we find it difficult to fulfil requests for daytime bookings (Mon to Fri). But Contact us to check our availability at Weekends and evenings.
We are members of the Morris Federation.
Nancy Butterfly are on FACEBOOK connect here.
LATEST ! Site updated - July 2010
The new season is in full swing, check our calendar to see where we are dancing.
WATCH OUT FOR NEWS OF OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS!
2010 Events:
Next Event:
On Wednesday 21st July we are dancing at the Weighbridge (8.00pm.), and Saturday 24th (12.30) at the Wildmoor Oak Beer Festival.
Upton Folk Festival
Yet again the weather smiled on our visit to the Upton on Severn Folk Festival! Thanks are due, once more, to the organising committee for our invitation to this splendid festival.
Our photos include some of the 'Flagcrackers' from Yorkshire, and 'Powderkegs' from Derbyshire, two of the many visiting sides.
The Dodford Inn - first birthday celebrations.
Joining 'White Hart Morris', 'Fox's Morris', 'Step on Board', and 'Bedcote Morris' in celebrating a year since the Dodford Inn was saved and reopened. More photos here.
Tom Rolt centenary celebrations.
Nancy Butterfly were pleased to join 'Chinewrde' and 'Mason's Apron' to celebrate the departure, from Tooleys Boat Yard in Banbury, of the narrowboat Heron as it starts to retrace Tom Rolt’s 1939/40 cruise around England’s canal network, which led to the publication of his hugely influential book 'Narrow Boat'. More photos here
Link to the Waterways report of the day, including photos.
Some 2009 Events:
Nancy Butterfly appeared at various events throughout the year:
December:
At a very seasonal event at the Blists Hill Victorian Town.
- and at the Belbroughton Scarecrow Festival:
- Helping Alvechurch Morris celebrate their 20th Anniversary.
- A day with, Aelfgythe Morris, Bedcote Morris, and Black Adder at the Robin Hood Drayton.
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.
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
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:
Other Summer events:
Entertaining the residents at Burcot Grange: 
Helping raise funds for the church at Hagley Hall 
Supporting a summer event at Harvington Hall: 
More Photos in the gallery.
The Dodford Inn has reopened following a successful campaign to save it from development. (Photos)
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.
More pictures from Nottingham
all photographs on this site are © malcolm mcmillan enquiries for use or prints to: malcolm_mcmillan@hotmail.com