Updated Traditions

A Statement on Inclusion and Changing with the Times

Moreton Bay Fig Morris is committed to ensuring that our beloved dance tradition is inclusive and welcoming to all who wish to participate.

Seasoned morris dancers from other sides may notice in our dance descriptions that, to that end, we have updated certain dance terms and replaced any tunes with unfortunate histories. We also do not participate in or support the use of any face painting that resembles blackface in morris, regardless of intent.

While the origins of some of these practices are the subject of debate among historians and in the greater morris community, Moreton Bay Fig Morris believes we must not condone or accept any practice that has the effect of causing harm or exclusion today. A living tradition can and must change with the times and grow to meet the needs of its current practitioners, so that is just what we have done and will continue to do.