The Morris dance comes to us through the mists of time. It has been part of English life for at least six hundred years and many scholars would argue that it is much older. While the style is peculiar to England, the dances are thought to be part of a world wide family of ceremonial dances, since they share the common features of disguise, colour, vigour and a dance form based on circles and processions.

By Elizabethan times (1558-1603) the Morris was already regarded as an ancient custom. Several references to the dance appear in the works of Shakespeare. However, following the Civil War (1642-1651) many customs were prohibited by the Puritans, although the Restoration (1660) saw some revivals.

Later industrialisation, war and other social changes had a very serious effect and in many places the dances ceased to exist or only remained in the memories of old dancers. In a few places, however, the dance continued.

At Christmas 1899 a musician, named Cecil Sharp, met the Headington Quarry Morris Men from near Oxford. Following that encounter, the collecting of the dances began in earnest, resulting in a revival of Morris dancing In England.

Over the years, interest grew and more sides were formed, among these was the Thaxted Morris Men, founded in 1911 and still existing today.

In 1934 an association known as The Morris Ring of England was formed to promote the dance, retain an archive and set and maintain standards.

The costume of The Chameleonic Morris Men is typical of the Cotswold dress and consists of a straw hat decorated with flowers, white shirt, white trousers with black shoes. The blue baldrick or cross braces is an identification of the individual Morris side and is unique to each. The bell pads are decorated with multi-coloured ribbons and small bells, which give the characteristic sound of the dance.

DANCES.
Dances are performed with short sticks, long sticks or with handkerchiefs and sometimes with a combination of both. In addition and part of the dance are the fool or jester with his bladder and the hobby horse or other beast.

SOURCES OF DANCES.
The repertoire of the side comprises what is generally known as Cotswold Morris, together with a few dances from the Midlands of England. In addition to the stick and handkerchief dances from a range of traditions the side can offer, one and two man jigs, a folk dance band for general informal entertainment or with caller to undertake public social dancing, solo musicians and singers.
The object within the constraints of amateur part time status is to present as varied a programme as possible.

When undertaking a tour it has been found that a side of at least 15 performers is preferable. A number of dances require 8 men with at least 2 musicians and others performing separate roles. A spare dancer or two in case of injuries is a useful precaution.

The Chameleonic Morris Men are a side born out of the Thaxted Morris Men, one of the founders of The Morris Ring, and a neighbouring side. They are therefore part of a long and continuing tradition.
We hope that you enjoy our performances.