Morris dancers kick up their heels

Bell-bottoms may have gone out in the fashion stakes in the 1970s - but ``bells-on-the-bottom'' remain a strong fashion statement in the Morris dancing wardrobe, as proven in Whangarei this week.
The Morris dancers of New Zealand were flying flags, smashing sticks and jingling bells all over the city in their annual national tour.
And despite the garish get-ups and outrageous antics, the smiles on the dancers' faces are enough to illustrate the enjoyment they get out of it.
"It's great to have them all here," Whangarei Morris dancer Karen Miller said.
The tour visits a different part of New Zealand each year.
More than 50 dancers have congregated in Whangarei from as far as Christchurch, and also a "side" (Morris dancing team) from Australia.
Andy Smith, of Auckland, said the tour gives the dancers a chance to meet up and swap stories, and have a good time.
"It's the same group of people but we're in a different place every year. It's great."
Morris dancing originated in England and dates back 500 years.
After a few quiet years, the Whangarei Morris dancing scene is in desperate need of new members.
Local dancer Karen Miller said the side in Whangarei is in the process of ``resurrection.''
"We would like keen dancers, and musicians," she said. "It's good exercise, and a lot of fun."
A whole lot of fun is what Melbourne dancer David Purdue has had in Northland.
"It's been a great week," he said. "A really relaxing holiday. We've been up to the Waitangi Treaty House, to Russell, had a great time."
The Morris dancing national tour ends today with a demonstration at the Artisans Fair outside the Whangarei Library.