Morris dancing is a form of folk dancing that dates back to the 15th century. Men and women (wear) old-fashioned clothing dance in the streets of towns and villages across the country during the holiday periods. Women wear long, frilly skirts and men wear short trousers with bells (attach) to them. They dance to traditional folk music is often played on traditional musical instruments.
Some groups carry heavy black sticks. They use them to hit each other while they dance. Other groups wave (handkerchief) in the air while they dance. The dances are (usual) performed near a pub so that when it's over, the dancers and the audience can sing some traditional folk songs over some beer. The celebrations often continue long into the night, by which point most people are too drunk (think) about performing again.
Morris dancing is a great English tradition, but it's facing big crisis. As the years go by, fewer and fewer young people are joining morris dancing groups. The dancers are getting older and older. If nothing (do) to change this, the tradition will die out within the next few years.
However, would be a great shame to lose such a fun part of England's history and culture. It's important to look after some traditions and customs especially when it's something as (harm) and happy as morris dancing.
