Belles & Petticoats

The Buttercross Belles are a special event as part of the Let's Dance National Campaign 

The Buttercross Belles are a Ladies’ Morris Dancing Side based in Otley, West Yorkshire. We dance around the Otley area and further afield. We currently practice on Thursday evenings in Burley in Wharfedale

Our challenge is to teach a complete dance to around 20 new dancers in one evening, as part of the Let's Dance National Campaign that was set up in 2025 by the TV Star Angela Rippon 

The event is free of charge

You will learn some easy traditional dance steps in the North West style as part of a popular communal dance in addition to a full dance. You will also learn some interesting snippets of folklore about how our dances connect us to our textile industry and Suffragette Movement heritage!!

Not only is it great physical and mental exercise, it's also a lot of fun!!

What you will need: We supply the equipment. Just wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring plenty of water!

Venue: Church Hall (St John Fisher & Thomas More) Bradford Road, Burley in Wharfedale, LS29 7PX

When: Thursday evening - 19th March 2026 - 7.30 – 9.30 pm

How to join: While you can just pop along, it would be good for us to know in advance how well we are meeting our challenge and to have a contact for you in case we need to update you about the event. Please email our Squire on buttercrossbellessquire@gmail.com 

Love it: If you love what you have learned, we welcome you to continue with us at our regular practice sessions (same venue, same time of the week) for free for the rest of your first term with no obligation

Male and Female Musicians are also welcome to join our band.

Please explore our website and tell your friends how excited you are to begin your Morris Dancing Journey with The Buttercross Belles' Let's Dance Belles & Petticoats Event. 

We look forward to meeting you.