Bloodstone Border Morris from the Isle of Wight
Based on the Isle of Wight, Bloodstone Border Morris dance team was set up in the summer of 2009. We have taken our name from Bloodstone Copse, reputedly the scene of a battle between the Saxons and Danes, where so much blood was spilt, the nearby brook, the Monkton Mead, ran red. The Bloodstone is where the Monkton Mead brook rises on Ashey Down.
We dress in black, with a splash of Blood Red, to signify the history of our name. Our faces are disguised in the tradition of Border style. Our dance style is Border, originating in the Welsh/English border, with dances such as Brimfield, Dilwyn, White Ladies Aston and others named after local border towns and villages, but we also write our own dances such as Gallows Hill, Monkton Mead, Seasick and Scarlett's Black Feather, all with a story relating to Isle of Wight places or legends.
We perform at local events such as the Yarmouth Old Gaffers, Havenstreet Steam Show and the Island Highland Games. We've even performed at major festivals such as Bestival and the Isle of Wight Festival and regularly perform at several mainland festivals, including Hastings Green Man, Trowbridge, Wickham and Dulverton Folk Festivals. Go to the Events Page to find out where we'll be dancing next.
Each year we run our very own dance weekend - The Bloodstone Border Rally, at which we entertain other teams and raise money for a local charity.
We raise money for local charities at our dance outs and over the years have raised thousands of pounds for these worthy causes.
Men or Women. You don't have to have danced before, just be committed and slightly crazy! If you would like further information, or are interested in coming to see if it is for you, Contact Us.