Election night sparked a political novelty for Hurst Morris People whose practice hall had already been requisitioned as a polling station.
The morris dancers moved from their usual home of Hurst Village Hall to St Nicholas Primary, to allow the local electorate the chance to cast their vote.
And as the polling stations across the land closed, Hurst Morris, known as HuMP, learned a new dance, The Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister dances or “makes deals” with groups of centre, left or right wingers. There are government defeats, reshuffles and PM changes.
The side’s musicians compiled a set of Christmas music to dance to.
The dance, written as New Parliament House Jig by Australian John Colville, inspired by coalition parliaments there, is known as The Prime Minister here.
HuMP’s foreman (dancing teacher) Judy Jones had suggested that her husband Brian teach the topical dance. The resulting performance reflected some political reality.
“With all the changes of movements and position, it was quite a challenge to remember who and where each one of the nine dancers should be,” said Brian. “We managed to generate quite a bit of chaos and even more laughter. On a day when the outcome of our election seemed highly uncertain, it was good to enjoy some dancing fun with friends.”
- HuMP’s annual barn dance is on Saturday, March 14 at Hurst Village Hall. Tickets are by emailing contact@hump.org.uk.
- HuMP’s free Maypole and Morris day on Sunday May 3 at noon in the village hall grounds. Details are at www.hump.org.uk and facebook.com/hurstmorris
