Sticks, Hankies, Baldricks & Bells – Dances of Catalunya – summary

The talk “Sticks, Hankies, Baldricks & Bells – Dances of Catalunya” presented by Stephen Rowley and hosted by the Morris Federation on 27 March 2022, explored the rich traditions of Catalan dances. Stephen highlighted the similarities and differences between Morris dancing and Catalan traditions, focusing on elements like sticks, bells, hankies, baldricks, and processional contexts. Using visuals and videos, he provided a deep dive into the cultural and historical significance of these dances within Catalonia’s unique regional identity.

Historical and Cultural Context

Catalonia, located in the northeast of Spain, boasts a distinct history and culture. Its traditions often reflect an ancient connection with neighbouring regions like Valencia and the Balearic Islands. The Catalan language, closer to Occitan and Italian than Castilian Spanish, further emphasises the region’s unique identity. Historically, Catalan dances were deeply intertwined with religious and civic celebrations, mirroring pre-Reformation practices in England. During Franco’s regime, Catalan culture, including its dances and language, was suppressed, but there has been a vigorous revival since the dictator’s death.

Types of Dances

Stephen introduced various traditional Catalan dances and their cultural significance:

• Ball de Bastons (Stick Dances): Similar to Morris dancing, these involve sticks, bells, and processional elements. The dancers perform choreographed routines accompanied by pipe and taber-like instruments.
• Ball de Cascavelles: Dating back to the 15th century, these dances feature ankle bells and evoke a strong historical connection.
• Handkerchief Dances: Examples like Ball de Valencians incorporate hankies and tower-building elements akin to Catalan castells.
• Hobby Horses, Giants, and Dragons: These fantastical elements often appear in processions and festivals, adding dramatic and visual appeal.
• Castells (Human Towers): An iconic Catalan tradition involving the formation of multi-tiered human towers, showcasing extraordinary teamwork and balance.

Festivals and Celebrations

Catalan dances are central to local festivals, particularly the Festa Major, the major annual festival in many towns. Stephen highlighted the Festa Major in Vilanova i la Geltrú, where multiple traditional dance forms are performed during a vibrant four-week celebration culminating in a grand procession. Unlike Morris dancers, who perform regularly at pubs or informal gatherings, Catalan dancers mainly perform within these structured, celebratory contexts.

Music and Instruments

The talk also discussed the instruments used in Catalan dances, such as the flabiol i bombo (pipe and drum), bagpipes, and gralla (a type of shawm). These are comparable to the instruments once used by town waits in medieval England.

Social and Organisational Aspects

Stephen emphasised the community-driven nature of Catalan dance traditions. Children are often introduced to dancing through school-based after-school clubs. As they grow, they transition into performing and eventually take on organisational roles, ensuring sustainability and intergenerational continuity.

Comparisons to Morris Dancing

The presentation highlighted striking parallels between Catalan traditions and historic Morris dancing, including their shared roots in ecclesiastical and civic celebrations. However, unlike Morris dancing, which faced suppression during the English Reformation, Catalan traditions have retained their connection to religious festivals and have been revitalised as part of Catalonia’s cultural identity.

Conclusion

Stephen concluded by celebrating the inclusive and sustainable model of Catalan dance traditions and their role in fostering cultural pride. His decades of engagement with Catalan festivals underline the potential for cross-cultural appreciation and exchange between Morris dancing and Catalan traditions. The presentation was an engaging blend of history, performance art, and cultural reflection.