Sidmouth Steppers ladies North West Morris was formed in 1999 following
the 45th Sidmouth International Folk Festival.
Most of the dances that Steppers perform originated in the north of England
and were performed by mill workers at holiday festivals and in processions.
Clogs are used for most of the dances although shoes are used for some of the less energetic numbers. Other accessories used in the dances are bobbins and perns from the spinning mills, decorated sticks, garlands and handkerchiefs.
The kit reflects the style of dress of the female mill workers with cotton blouses, full skirt and pinafore. The national colours were chosen for the kit which consists of white blouse, blue skirt and red pinafore. The hand made clogs are dark blue.
Music for the dances is traditionally quite loud. Usually it is led by melodeons but accompanying instruments may range through stringed, brass, wind and percussion instruments.
Since their formation, Sidmouth Steppers have danced out each season with an increasingly busy programme.
Charities have benefited from Steppers performances over the seasons.
For the dancers themselves, the side provides variety, fresh air and exercise in an easy-going social group.
Copyright - photographs copyright to Sidmouth Website,
Sidmouth Life with the kind permission of the
Sidmouth Steppers who provided the text
