Mary Neal and the Suffragettes Who Saved Morris Dancing

In the early 20th century, Morris dancing was nearly extinct in England. The revival was started by militant suffragettes and slum girls who brought the country's forgotten dances back to cities and villages. The women's desire to improve society drove both the Morris revival and the militant suffrage movement. Mary Neal, the dance revival's leader, was a lifelong advocate for women's and children's rights. She and Emmeline Pethick founded the Esperance Girls Club in one of London's most disadvantaged neighborhoods. The women's embrace of traditional dance was rooted in Mary's aspirations for equality and social and political reform. The Morris revival grew from an entertainment in a club for impoverished girls to a nationwide initiative. Mary and Emmeline provided the leadership and commitment that enabled two radical movements to flourish in the early years of the 20th century, but both were marginalized after policy disagreements led to devastating splits in their respective organizations. Only in recent decades have women begun to reclaim their place in the Morris dance movement, a legacy of the militant campaign for the vote.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In the early 20th century, Morris dancing had all but faded away in much of England. However, a revival was sparked by a remarkable group of individuals: militant suffragettes and slum girls. These courageous women played a pivotal role in bringing the forgotten rural dances back to towns and villages across the nation. Their unwavering dedication to preserving and passing on these traditions ensured the survival of the Morris as a living tradition that continues to be performed to this day. The impetus behind this revival was the women's aspiration to bring about positive change in society. Driven by their passion for equality and social reform, they took militant action and even faced imprisonment. The Morris revival and the militant suffrage movement were inextricably linked. At the forefront of the dance revival was Mary Neal, a lifelong radical campaigner for women's and children's rights. Alongside her friend Emmeline Pethick, Mary ran the Esperance Girls Club in one of London's most deprived areas. She and Emmeline were active members of the national committee of Mrs. Pankhurst's militant Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), a group tirelessly campaigning for women's voting rights. The women's embrace of traditional dance was deeply rooted in Mary's vision for equality and her commitment to social and political reform. The timing of the dance revival and the launch of the militant suffragette campaign in London was remarkably coincidental. Initiated by a small group of rebels, the WSPU quickly grew into a movement that inspired both loyalty and loathing in equal measure. The Morris revival, which began as entertainment for impoverished girls in a club, evolved into a nationwide initiative. Mary and Emmeline's associates in the dance revival included young girls who worked in the militant campaigns' offices, as well as hunger-striking daughters of the aristocracy. Their leadership and unwavering commitment played a crucial role in enabling the revival to flourish. The Morris dance, with its rich history and cultural significance, continues to be a testament to the power of women and their determination to shape society for the better. The revival not only brought joy and entertainment to communities but also served as a symbol of women's empowerment and social progress. It reminds us of the enduring legacy of the suffragette movement and the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 195 x 444 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399061506