Four Hundred Roses

Saltaire Festival 2104 - This lovely lady is one of the dancers from Four Hundred Roses. The group, made up of dancers from all over the North of England, first came together in 2005 to explore the possibility of combining traditional UK folk dance with tribal bellydance, itself a fusion of Indian, Arabic and Gypsy style dances. Sounds unlikely - but their dancing is rhythmic and both graceful and energetic. Check out one of their videos on YouTube. Though far from a traditional Morris side, they have gradually found acceptance within the established folk dance movement, which all goes to prove that although it has long-established and historic roots, UK folk dance is continually evolving in interesting directions.