The Beginning and Progression of Ashley's Rise
How it all began
It all began many years ago when Kim took dance into Ashley Down Junior School as part of a maths project. The children enjoyed the dancing and with one of the teachers she set up an after school dance club trying out simple country and Border Morris style dances. We made some kit and did a performance in school. We were then asked to do a performance for a local church group. We needed a name! Ashley’s Rise Junior Morris was born. A couple of children from other schools were interested and in 1993 we moved out of school and into Horfield URC hall to accommodate children from anywhere.
Where we are now
Ashley’s Rise is now an established junior Morris side, one of very few in the country. Most recently we have been performing as a Border side and in 1999 took the plunge and decided to 'black up' (for disguise) and make the kit more exciting by wearing hats with feathers.
insert beccaneil
We also have a Cotswold kit and have learnt some Cotswold dances. This enables us to dance with other sides.
Who makes up the team
The team is made up of a wide variety of young people. Some have folk backgrounds or parents who dance the Morris but these are by no means the majority and all young people are welcome.
For those interested in customs we have performed a traditional Mumming Play each winter, or in the case of 2000 and 2001, a play written in the mumming style based on the Bristol Giants, Vincent and Goram, by Marc Vyvyan-Jones. We have been to Wassails in South Glos and Taunton, and see the Bristol Jack in the Green each May. We also dance on Brandon Hill at dawn on May Day.
A recent project was our horse. He was originally made for a production by the English National Opera and found his way to us through the Bristol branch of the Hobby Horse club. They didn't have room for him anymore, so a stable with Ashley's Rise seemed the obvious solution.
Where next?
Out of Ashley's Rise has grown the Caper West project, and now the Great Caper to see if we can get Morris dancing involved in the Opening or Closing ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics
and to get England Dancing!