About This Document

This document describes the Morris Federation’s work in publishing over 50 short recruitment videos which help to promote featured side’s recruitment events and help raise a side’s visibility to help to get more bookings. 

Following the links to videos suggestions are also provided on how to maximise the audience of the videos and a set of FAQs. Alternatively you can jump directly to the 60 featured sides.

In addition you can view a Google Map of the recruitment videos.

Featured Sides

The sides included in the recruitment videos for their side are listed below. 

Note the table can be sorted by clicking on the name in the column header. This can be used to quickly see the dance styles featured and the areas of the country (possibly could be used to identify videos which could be featured on a regional TV show).

(Note the video for Kinfauns Step Dancers is on hold until 2026).

We have examples covering a range of traditional dance styles including: Cotswold, Border, Northwest, Garland, Clog step, Molly and Longsword.

Background To This Work

The Morris Federation is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. As well as organising a range of dance events we decided to make 50 short videos for member sides which would help to (a) promote the featured side; (b) help viewers find out how to find more information about the 500 or so Morris Federation sides  and (c) promote morris and traditional dance in general.

The short videos are published on a weekly basis and after, they have been published, included in the “50 videos; 50 sides; 50th anniversary” YouTube playlist.

Following the popularity of the videos a number of sides who weren’t featured asked if similar videos could be made for their side and this led to the “Spotlight on …” videos – and we have subsequently contacted sides which have recently joined the Morris Federation of have a significant anniversary to celebrate during 2025 offering to include their side in this playlist.  

About the “Join Our Side” Recruitment Videos

Having gained expertise in making short videos we realised that making videos which could be used to encourage potential new dancers to take part in a ‘new members evening’ which many sides will host, typically in September. We therefore decided to tweak the videos we have made and add a voice-over encouraging people to contact the side.

We also know that some sides may not be looking to recruit new members but would welcome opportunities to raise their side’s visibility.  For these sies a number of “Find out more” videos have been produced.

As shown at the top of the accompanying screenshot, short captions are provided for the voice-over.

Implementation Details 

Making the videos

We have featured sides which are looking to recruit new members (i.e. we have excluded sides which may be invitation-only) and added a short voice-over tracks saying:

“We hope you’ve enjoyed the video of the dancing. If you’d like to join the side get in touch – new dancers are welcome!“

During the display of the Teamfinder map the voice-over says:

“If you’re still looking for a Morris dance team, search for #MorrisTeamfinder.  Details of about 500 Morris Federation teams are available.“

or in the case of rapper and longsword sword dance teams:

“If you’re still looking for a sword dance team, search for #MorrisTeamfinder.  Details of about 500 Morris Federation teams are available.“

Using the Video

Although we made the first set of videos in several formats (landscape, portrait and square modes) due to the time it takes to make videos the recruitment videos will only be made in square format.

The videos will be uploaded to YouTube and sides can link to the video. Alternatively they can request a copy of the MP4 video file which they can then use as they see fit.

Note the videos do not contain information which can date, so they can be used on multiple occasions.

Enhancing the Videos

One additional enhancement we have made to the originals set of videos was to add high quality photographs to your side’s Teamfinder profile which can be added to the video. The Dorsetbays Photography and Dorset Morri’arty photographers have agree that protos they have taken can be used provided acknowledgments are given. Note the Holly Copse Molly profile illustrates use of two photos taken by Dorsetbays Photography at the Wessex Folk Festival 2025.   

Promoting the Videos

The sides will be encouraged to promote the video to help publicise their recruitment events, on their social media services (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, …), their website and other digital services.

We would expect the video to be accompanied by specific details of the time and location of the event.