This document summarises the experiences of three Morris Federation sides which used short videos to support their recruitment activities.
In January 2025 the Morris Federation launched its “50 videos; 50 sides; 50th anniversary” series of short videos as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations. In light of the popularity of the videos, the positive feedback we have received from our member sides and the experiences we have gain in making short videos we decided to publish a series of recruitment videos for sides looking to attract new members during autumn 2025.
If this page is too long, here’s a quick summary of the top recommendation for getting your recruitment video widely viewed:
and out top recommendation for dealing with potential recruits:
The first video (for Alive and Kicking North West Morris) was published on Monday 25 August and videos have been published on a daily basis since then. We had originally intended to make 50 videos, with the final video (probably for Wyld Morris) being published 50 days later, on 14 October. However following some chats at Sidmouth Folk Festival and subsequent email discussions with some other sides we expect to publish more than 50 videos!
Normally videos are released in alphabetic order but we decided to make use of weekends to publish videos for sides which have arrange recruitment events for the following week.
Chinewryd Morris, Lyme Morris and Box Hill Bedlam were the first three sides to make use of this opportunity. In light of the popularity of these three videos we felt it would be useful to summarise the approaches taken which we can share with other Morris Federation sides.
Some brief statistics for Facebook posts which announced the videos are provided below (statistics up to 10 Sept 2025).
In the table:
The large number of Facebook ‘shares’ are the most notable aspects of these figure.
Sarah Wood, Box Hill Bedlam, has provide the following reflections on her side’s approaches to recruitment. Note the Box Hill Bedlam’s ‘How To Join‘ page provides a good example of best practice for an approach to digital recruitment.
About the side: Box Hill Bedlam is a mixed-gender Border Morris side from Dorking. We’re known for our steam-goth style and (mostly) self-penned dances rooted in local myth. Our performances lean towards the lyrical and moody – strong rhythms and shapes, with a more atmospheric, story-driven feel. Our amplified folk sound adds to the atmosphere, blending tradition with the occasional modern riff.
Recruitment activities: Our approach is deliberate. We design “new joiner journeys” that guide people from first interest to becoming full members. Free tasters and open practice (Sep–Dec) give a low-pressure introduction. Welcome packs, letters and FAQs provide practical details and set expectations. Digitally, we layer content – reels, behind-the-scenes posts, intros to the team, and (more) FAQs – and keep all listings up to date. We extend reach by reposting into local community groups, leafleting in pubs and hubs, and joining in at local events. That said, dancing out locally remains our strongest driver of recruitment – it’s the live impact of seeing us perform that draws people in, with digital and print mainly serving to reinforce what they’ve already experienced.
Recommendations for others:
Chinewrde Morris Dancers are “a welcoming and inclusive women’s North-West morris dance team (side), with mixed gender band based in Kenilworth in Warwickshire“. Jenny Rudge, the booking secretary, has provided some initial feedback:
“We held our taster event last night. Had an amazing 11 new people turn up (10 dancers & 1 musician). And there were a couple who couldn’t make it then but will come along next week!“
Note the Chinewrde Morris’s ‘How to Join‘ page provides a good example of best practice.
We have gained valuable experience in making short videos and sharing the videos on social media platforms -experience which we intend to build on during 2026 and beyond
As an example for recently made videos we have learnt out the visual impact of full screen clips and how such clips (which are normally in square format) can be used in Teamfinder profiles (which require videos in landscape format). The first example, a video for Ramshackle Morris’s Teamfinder profile, is illustrated.
The most important work in supporting recruitment activities will be carried out by the teams themselves! If you would like to discuss how digital technologies can be used to support such work the “Digital For Dance Teams” Facebook group might be worth joining.
Published 16 Dec 2025
This document is available with a Creative Commons Sharealike (CC-BY) licence. In brief, this means you can copy and make changes to this document provided you give acknowledgements to the author/publisher. A suggested wording for acknowledgements is:
This document is based on the "Short Recruitment Videos: Learning From First Few Weeks" document by Brian Kelly, Comms and IT volunteer with the Morris Federation.
We welcome feedback on this document. In addition we would like to hear from morris, sword and other traditional dance sides who use IT and would be willing to share their experiences. Would you like to contribute a case study?
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