Cecil Sharp and the Quest for Folk Song and Dance – a 500 word summary

Summary of the Talk: “Cecil Sharp and the Quest for Folk Song and Dance” by David Sutcliffe

David Sutcliffe, a Morris dancer and folk enthusiast, delivered a Zoom talk on his new biography of Cecil Sharp, an influential figure in the English folk revival. Sutcliffe’s book, published by The Ballad Partners, re-examines Sharp’s life and contributions with fresh insights, countering earlier biographies that lacked depth or reflected biases.

Sharp (1859–1924) was born into a middle-class family and educated in mathematics at Cambridge, though his passion lay in music. After a decade in Australia, Sharp returned to England, struggling initially to establish himself in music. In 1903, his discovery of folk songs in Somerset, particularly The Seeds of Love, marked the beginning of his extensive collection work. Collaborating with Reverend Charles Marson, Sharp collected over a thousand songs, emphasizing their live performance and the importance of their oral transmission. Sutcliffe highlighted Sharp’s meticulous methods, which included documenting the names of singers and preserving their contributions through fair copies and photographs.

The talk also explored Sharp’s transition from folk song to folk dance. Sharp initially collaborated with Mary Neal, who championed Morris dancing among working-class girls through her Esperance Club. While Neal organised widespread events, Sharp took a more academic and systematic approach, aiming to document, standardise, and teach dances to young adults. Sharp’s focus on accuracy and continuity eventually led to friction with Neal, who prioritised accessibility and political activism, including support for the suffragette movement. Their rivalry culminated in separate publications and organisations, with Sharp founding the English Folk Dance Society in 1911.

Sutcliffe provided an overview of Sharp’s theories, some of which, such as the “ceremonial origins” of Morris dancing, are now considered speculative. Sharp’s work extended to American folk traditions during his wartime stay in the Appalachian Mountains, where he documented British-derived songs and new American folk compositions. Sutcliffe acknowledged the controversy surrounding Sharp’s language in his diaries but urged a nuanced understanding of his context and progressive leanings.

The biography highlights Sharp’s dual role as a performer and oral historian. Sharp believed in making folk music accessible and actively encouraged participation rather than preserving it as a scholarly artefact. Despite criticisms and blind spots, Sutcliffe praised Sharp’s energy, dedication, and lasting influence on folk music and dance. Sharp’s collected works remain a valuable resource for enthusiasts and scholars, and his legacy is reflected in the vibrant folk scene today.

Sutcliffe concluded by encouraging attendees to explore Sharp’s journey and its relevance to contemporary folk practices, underscoring the complexity of his character and his contributions to the folk revival. His biography aims to provide a balanced perspective, inviting readers to engage critically with Sharp’s life and work.