Eynsham

Eynsham is one of the older Oxfordshire sides, and danced for the folk music collector Cecil Sharpe in 1908. They are noted for their energetic and enthusiastic approach to performance.

Eynsham performed throughout the twentieth century with some breaks. The side that performs today was set up in 1980.

Eynsham dancing at the village carnival, 2001

Decorated top hat,
late 20th century

After the Boer War, Eynsham men danced in ANZAC hats. The modern side dances in top hats, reverting to the nineteenth century style.

Eynsham Morris dancing at Woodstock, 1901

Eynsham Morris around the turn of the twentieth century

Wavers and baldrick, late 20th century

Handkerchiefs, or wavers, emphasise the arm movements of the dance. Eynsham dance with coloured wavers, but many sides use white handkerchiefs.

Eynsham dancing in the village, 1937