Morris Dancing

School of EvErything

AnitA lASockA

PlAcEmEnt rEPort

page2 Placement Report

contEntS

5 School of EvErything

7 ProjEct outlinES

8 thE rootS of morriS DAncE

10 off-SPring morriS mEn

20 BAcchuS BorDEr morriS

31 BiShoPStonE union of morriS mEn

40 jAck-in-thE-grEEn

53 ArtiSt PlAcEmEnt grouP vS. morriS DAncE ProjEct

54 cv

56 onlinE Portfolio

72 othEr crEAtivE PrActicE

74 uSE of SociAl mEDiA - twittEr


School of Everything is a website-based company, which developed as a challenge

to the traditional education system. The School was founded in 2006 and launched

on 1st September 2008. It is supported by charitable trust, The Young Foundation,

founder of Which? magazine, Channel 4 Education, Esther Dyson, Rocco Pellegrinelli,

JP Rangaswami and the Open University. It believes that people should learn the topic

they are interested in, while avoiding the administrative context of education process.

The award-winning site is a tool that connects teachers and students worldwide and

allows them to learn any subject they want. Everyone can register for free and start

learning and/or teaching the subject they know about, have qualifications in or are

just passionate about. Registered teachers form a personal page, where they can

advertise their classes or workshops, while a potential student can find them through

a search engine provided by the site. Pupils can get in touch with tutors via email or a

phone call (if provided) and arrange to meet and start learning immediately.

The concept behind creating the site is that everyone can find the subject that he/

she can teach, and pick up a new hobby or qualification they desire. The teacher

can decide to charge for their services, or share their skills for free. In the School

of Everything, anyone can become a teacher as qualifications are not necessary,

their passion is more than enough. The bottom-up learning system creates more

possibilities for self-employed teachers, helps develops new skills and revitalises

communities and/or neighbourhoods.

http://schoolofeverything.com

School of EvErything


ProjEct outlinES

Project Title: Morris Dance groups

Aim: To explore British tradition of Morris Dancing by photographing teachers and

students of Morris Dance groups listed on the School of Everything website.

Reasons behind the topic: After reading the newspaper article published at the

beginning of the year 2009 that the Morris dancing tradition was dying out, I decided

to check it out for myself. I saw a Morris Dance group a few years ago and it looked

very much alive to me, with a few very young members. Another reason behind

my choice of topic was lots of different opinions I heard on the origin of the dance,

its authenticity and the people who perform it. I have never really had a chance to

explore the idea hidden behind this tradition. The School of Everything has given me

the opportunity to get in touch with people who promote it and try to keep it alive.

My project also explores a community that is developing within School of Everything

website.

Final product: The final product of this project is a portrait of a Morris Dance

community consisting of teachers and students.

Resources: I found around 50 schools teaching Morris Dancing around Britain

registered within the School of Everything website. After my initial contact with the

dance groups via the School of Everything’s email I managed to get some interest

and make a few appointments to photograph them at their convenience. There are a

few located in London, but I travelled to other towns to meet even more groups. The

photographs are going to be used at the School of Everything as well as the Morris

groups’ websites.

I photographed three Morris dance groups: Off Spring Morris Men, Bacchus Border

Morris and Bishopstone Union of Morris Men.


thE rootS of morriS DAncE

‘Several theories have been put forward concerning the roots of morris dancing because

of the lack of surviving information on the subject. There are a few references from before

Tudor times which mention ‘morisco’ (Moorish) dances being performed at various loca-

tions in Europe, especially at European courts. In Tudor times, they seem to have been a

common feature of holiday games and sports, the two terms ‘morris’ and ‘morisco’ both

being used to refer to such activities. They have since been very much associated with

seasonal festivities, particularly Mayday and Christmas. This has led some to suggest the

dances to be a remnant of early, preChristian religious rites, but any evidence for this is

seemingly absent. In addition, during the late 1880s there was a rise in interest in popu-

lar antiquities, mainly among the leisured classes. PreChristian pagan religions seemed

to hold a popular fascination at the time and many of these amateur historians claimed

links between paganism and nearly every surviving ‘quaint’ tradition, to the near exclu-

sion of other possibilities. Many eminent and respected people also gave credence to this

view with the result that, in some quarters, it has remained unchallenged since the turn of

the century.At least one alternative explanation is that they were dances invented by the

Moors, or by others in order to depict the Moors, brought through Europe to our courts,

and that the common people, in trying to emulate the entertainments of the nobility,

continued the practice long after the courts had lost interest.It is further confused by the

diverse forms of dance and drama which have come down to us with the name of ‘morris’

in various parts of our country, and by apparently similar forms found in parts of Europe.

The sad and rather dull fact is that no-one really knows.’

extract from Morris Federation website:

http://morrisfed.org.uk/mfblog/about/the-roots-of-the-dance/

thE rootS of morriS DAncE

‘Several theories have been put forward concerning the roots of morris dancing because

of the lack of surviving information on the subject. There are a few references from before

Tudor times which mention ‘morisco’ (Moorish) dances being performed at various loca-

tions in Europe, especially at European courts. In Tudor times, they seem to have been a

common feature of holiday games and sports, the two terms ‘morris’ and ‘morisco’ both

being used to refer to such activities. They have since been very much associated with

seasonal festivities, particularly Mayday and Christmas. This has led some to suggest the

dances to be a remnant of early, preChristian religious rites, but any evidence for this is

seemingly absent. In addition, during the late 1880s there was a rise in interest in popu-

lar antiquities, mainly among the leisured classes. PreChristian pagan religions seemed

to hold a popular fascination at the time and many of these amateur historians claimed

links between paganism and nearly every surviving ‘quaint’ tradition, to the near exclu-

sion of other possibilities. Many eminent and respected people also gave credence to this

view with the result that, in some quarters, it has remained unchallenged since the turn of

the century.At least one alternative explanation is that they were dances invented by the

Moors, or by others in order to depict the Moors, brought through Europe to our courts,

and that the common people, in trying to emulate the entertainments of the nobility,

continued the practice long after the courts had lost interest.It is further confused by the

diverse forms of dance and drama which have come down to us with the name of ‘morris’

in various parts of our country, and by apparently similar forms found in parts of Europe.

The sad and rather dull fact is that no-one really knows.’

extract from Morris Federation website:

http://morrisfed.org.uk/mfblog/about/the-roots-of-the-dance/


Off-Spring MOrriS Men

‘Off-Spring Morris is a mixed Cotswold Morris side, based in the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames, in the English county of Surrey. Off-Spring Morris performs dances mainly from the Cotswold Morris tradition. The dances originate from several English villages, including Fieldtown, Adderbury, Bampton, Headington, Ducklington, Lichfield and Upton upon Severn.

The mixed side's name, Off-Spring Morris, is derived from the original men's side which was taken from the small Victorian backwater of Spring Grove, between Kingston and Surbiton where the side was formed. It is centred on the local Young's Public House, The Spring Grove. Our mixed side was formed in 1999. ‘

More information about Off-Spring Morris Men on:http://www.offspringmzorris.org/

Photographed during the practice (23/03/09) and performance (St George’s Day, 24/04/09)

Off-Spring MOrriS Men

‘Off-Spring Morris is a mixed Cotswold Morris side, based in the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames, in the English county of Surrey. Off-Spring Morris performs dances mainly from the Cotswold Morris tradition. The dances originate from several English villages, including Fieldtown, Adderbury, Bampton, Headington, Ducklington, Lichfield and Upton upon Severn.

The mixed side's name, Off-Spring Morris, is derived from the original men's side which was taken from the small Victorian backwater of Spring Grove, between Kingston and Surbiton where the side was formed. It is centred on the local Young's Public House, The Spring Grove. Our mixed side was formed in 1999. ‘

More information about Off-Spring Morris Men on:http://www.offspringmzorris.org/

Photographed during the practice (23/03/09) and performance (St George’s Day, 24/04/09)






BacchuS BOrder MOrriS

Bacchus Border Morris group is based in Croydon, Surrey, and was formed in the summer of 2008. It performs a Border Mor-ris dance with the aim of keeping the Morris tradition alive and kicking. The group writes its own music, which is based on traditional music as well as its own inventions. All the members wear the traditional Border Morris rag coat and top hat, which is accompanied by their “own special disguise to hide [them] from friends, family and [the] press”.

To read more about Bacchus Border Morris visit:http://www.bacchusbordermorris.co.ukhttp://www.myspace.com/bacchusbordermorris

Photographed on during practice (21/04/09) and during Jack in the Green festival (04/05/09)

BacchuS BOrder MOrriS

Bacchus Border Morris group is based in Croydon, Surrey, and was formed in the summer of 2008. It performs a Border Mor-ris dance with the aim of keeping the Morris tradition alive and kicking. The group writes its own music, which is based on traditional music as well as its own inventions. All the members wear the traditional Border Morris rag coat and top hat, which is accompanied by their “own special disguise to hide [them] from friends, family and [the] press”.

To read more about Bacchus Border Morris visit:http://www.bacchusbordermorris.co.ukhttp://www.myspace.com/bacchusbordermorris

Photographed on during practice (21/04/09) and during Jack in the Green festival (04/05/09)






BiShOpStOne uniOn Of MOrriS Men

Bishopestone Union of Morris Men is based in Bishopstone near Swindon. The group was formed last summer when the local school tried to book Morris Men for the school fete. As all nearby groups had already been booked, the women of the village decided that their husbands could learn to dance. Over an eight-week period they learnt two dances suprvised by dance specialist Sue Tremlin. After the village fete, they decided to carry on dancing.

More information about BUMMs at:http://bumms.info/

Photographed during practice on 06/05/09

BiShOpStOne uniOn Of MOrriS Men

Bishopestone Union of Morris Men is based in Bishopstone near Swindon. The group was formed last summer when the local school tried to book Morris Men for the school fete. As all nearby groups had already been booked, the women of the village decided that their husbands could learn to dance. Over an eight-week period they learnt two dances suprvised by dance specialist Sue Tremlin. After the village fete, they decided to carry on dancing.

More information about BUMMs at:http://bumms.info/

Photographed during practice on 06/05/09






Jack-in-the-greenfeStival in haStingS

Jack in the Green festival is an annual celebration of the coming summer that originated around 400 years ago. For the May Day celebration English people would make garlands of flowers and leaves, which became more and more complex. In the late 18th century it became competitive, and head garlands become increasingly larger. The main garland was so big that it covered the entire body. It gain the name Jack in the Green.The practice completely disappeared by the end of 19th Cen-tury and was replaced by the May Queen. The tradition was re-vived in Hastings in 1983 by the group, Mad Jacks Morris Danc-ers, and grew. Nowadays, it is a four-day celebration.

More information about Jack-in-the-Green festival on:http://www.hastingsjack.co.uk

Photographed on the last day of the festival (04/05/09)

Jack-in-the-greenfeStival in haStingS

Jack in the Green festival is an annual celebration of the coming summer that originated around 400 years ago. For the May Day celebration English people would make garlands of flowers and leaves, which became more and more complex. In the late 18th century it became competitive, and head garlands become increasingly larger. The main garland was so big that it covered the entire body. It gain the name Jack in the Green.The practice completely disappeared by the end of 19th Cen-tury and was replaced by the May Queen. The tradition was re-vived in Hastings in 1983 by the group, Mad Jacks Morris Danc-ers, and grew. Nowadays, it is a four-day celebration.

More information about Jack-in-the-Green festival on:http://www.hastingsjack.co.uk

Photographed on the last day of the festival (04/05/09)







ArtiSt PlAcEmEnt grouP vS.

morriS DAncE ProjEct

The project placement set me in the business environment, outside the gallery space, therefore outside the artist domain, so it followed the APG main aim. Although it didn’t involved me in the day to day work of the organisation on every level, it gave me great deal of flexibility and independence not only with my working hours, but also on the photographed subject as well as my approach to the subject.

At the beginning of the project me and School of Everything agreed on the general outlines of the project and a style of photographs i.e. their connection to the website and teaching – learning environment. After this initial stage I was independent in every decision. Consequently, I decided which group I want to photograph and what kind of images to take, therefore I could use my skills creatively. There was no strict instructions from School of Everything, which was one of the main aims of APG formation.

Through this placement I was also located within another environment i.e. Morris dance groups. I photographed them in their surroundings, usually places where they practice or perform. As a result, I had to develop a photographic dialogue with other people as well as a different space. All the meetings were preceded with a research about the groups, dances and their history.

covEr lEttEr 24 Manthorp Road, London, SE18 7TA

Telephone: 07984 475 962 Email: [email protected]

Dougald Hine Co-founder & Strategy Director School of Everything 18 Victoria Park Square, London E2 9PF 1 March 2008 Dear Dougland, Re: Freelance photographer I would like to apply for work placement as a freelance photographer at the School of Everything, which was presented to me by my Photographic Art’s teacher Paula Roush on the 26 February. I am very interested to get experience in working as a freelance photographer on assignment. Therefore, I am pleased to enclose my CV and portfolio as well as links to my online work including publishing. You will see from my enclosed CV that I have gained a wide variety of both transferable and specific skills, which relate to work in the photography field. I already have an experience in working as an event photographer for Yamaha Music Ltd., Architecture plb, and performing artists like Michelle Horacek and a Blue Intervention group. My work experience has been greatly enhanced through the knowledge gained during my studies, where I obtain an understanding of printing on demand. I published my first photobook with Lulu using InDesign and Photoshop programmes. Furthermore, working in different and very busy environments helped me to develop good communication and organisation skills as well as ability to adapt quickly to new working conditions. I believe that my CV demonstrates that I meet all the requirements for the work placement. I’d like the opportunity to tell you more about my work experience and how my skill set could contribute to the successful running of the project. I’d be happy to supply strong references at your request. I look forward to discussing the position with you. Your sincerely, Anita Lasocka


cv AnitA lASockA24 Manthorp Road, London, SE18 7TA

Mobile phone: [email protected]

oBjEctivE: To gain entry-level experience in photography where creative initiative, ideas and a genuine enthusiasm would allow me to progress.

ProfilE: Exceptional language and communications skills, top people skills, well-presented, work on initiative and self motivated. Conscientious, hard working, fast learner and reliable person. I am a good time keeper and enjoy meeting people. I work well under pressure, either as part of a team or on my own. I can adapt to any environment and would like to use my skills to contribute positively to any work situation. I am positive with a friendly disposition and a good sense of humour.

work ExPEriEncE

04/09 present Invigilator at Photgraphers’ Gallery, London, UK

11/08 Blue intervention performance, Surveillance City, photographing performance artists

10-11/08 Yamaha Music UK LTD, London Photography work of three events: conference announcing launching new educational program, American sax player Otis Murphy’s performance and a percussion concert with an American artist called Dave Samuels in 606 Jazz Club

06/08 Architecture plb, London Commission photography work of a cycle of architecture events

02/08 Imbolic by Michelle Horacek, performance artist. Photographing the performance

04/07 – 08/08 Till Manager (form March’07), Decathlon UK, London. I started working as a receptionist and was shortly promoted to till supervisor and later to till manager. Responsibilities: Supervising 15 people working in customer service department, ordering and supervising cash delivery in 2 saves, supervising cash float in 13 tills, dealing with complaints and inquiries at the welcome desk, serving customers, answering the phone.My role required excellent customer service skills, multitasking and the ability to cope in a busy environment.

10/05 – 03/07 Assistant Manager (from Sep’06), Cafe Nero, London and Leicester – I started working in Leicester as a barista in training, in February’06 I was promoted to Shift Leader and after moving to London I became Assistant ManagerResponsibilities: Serving customers, responsible for handling cash, operating till, cashing-up, banking money, ordering stock, dealing with sales representatives, staff supervision, dealing with customer complaints and refunds

03/04 – 08/05 Kitchen Assistant and later Chef, The Rose & Crown, Clapham Common, LondonResponsibilities: preparing and cooking food, general kitchen work, ordering stock, menu planning(part time jobs while taking full time English course)

07/99 - 02/04 Inspector of Plant Protection and Seed Service, Vojevodship Inspection, Warsaw, Poland Responsibilities: Co-operation with others public institution, branches of District Inspection and farmers science institutions. Controlling and planning work of 29 branches of Vojevodship inspection in Mazowsze district in section of crop protection. Making decision in order to prevent spreading of quarantine organisms in agricultural production. Writing articles to agricultural magazines. Organising training and training employees and farmers plus general administrative work. Updated, maintained and created records, using Excel spreadsheets and Access databases

12/98 – 06/99 Inspector, Job Centre, Ostrow Maz., Poland Responsibilities: First contact with job seekers and employers plus general administrative work. Strong team work ability to act as focal point between unemployed and employers.

EDucAtion

09/07 – present London South Bank UniversityBA (Hons) Digital PhotographySubjects: Photoshop; Studio Practice, In Design; Publishing on demand;

10/05-06/06 A 1 level Photography Black & White, Leicester Collage, UKMain subjects: Black&White film photography, darkroom skills

2006 Advanced Writing, Leicester Collage, UK(3 months course)

2006 Introduction to Interpreting, level 1, Leicester College, UK(3 months course)

10/03-06/05 General English, Certificate of Advanced in English (June 2005) by UCLES (the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate), Premier Collage, London

09/94-06/98 MA philosophy of nature, Catholic University in Lublin, PolandMain subjects: Philosophy, Biology, Ecology, Evolutionism, Origin of Life

09/98-06/04 College diploma (equivalent English A levels), Economic College, Ostrow Mazowiecka, Poland (Economy and Management, Polish, Maths, German)

kEy SkillS

Communication skills Able to communicate effectively at all levels gained through giving presentations at university, liaising with customers and suppliers at work, and supervising co-workers.

Teamwork High level of teamwork skills gained through work in Decathlon UK and Cafe NeroNumerical skills Competent in budgeting, cash flow, book-keepingIT skills Microsoft Office, Excel, Powerpoint, Photoshop, InDesign, 50wpm

typingLanguages Polish (mother tongue), English (fluent written and spoken), Russian and German

(passable)

intErESt

Documentary and Nature Photography, trekking, swimming and martial art (I’m currently training Kung-Fu).

References Available Upon Request


onlinE Portfoliohttp://www.anita.clickgarden.net








Additional images available on: http://www.flickr.com/osnuya/photos

Additional images available on: http://www.flickr.com/osnuya/photos


othEr crEAtivE PrActicE

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/the-front-page-sto-ry/4762269

On Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/pho-tos/osnuya/sets/72157617591355292/?page=3sets/72157617591355292/?page=3

uSE of SociAl mEDiA - twittEr

I decided to explore twitter to expand my learning and profes-sional network. The main reason was that School of Everything was already active user of this social media, therefore it was a perfect tool to share my images. Furthermore, I was able to keep-ing them updated on the progress of my work as well as present examples of my photographs. Secondly, while using twitter I manage to get in touch with Bish-opstone Union of Morris Men, who started following me after few of my updates about my work placement. Apart from making an appointment to take images during their practice session, I also received lots of information about Morris groups. Another group which helped me with the research and exploration of Morris groups' atmosphere was Morris Movie group. Twitter enabled me to share my photographs with School of Everything as well as Morris dance groups at the same time. I learned to explore Twitter as a professional tool to make contacts, display and share progress of my work as well as present images. Altogether I did 72 updates and shared about 20 photographs

twitts by Time of Day & Day of Week

Few last updates on the twitter


Documents

Morris Dancing