THERE'S more to Morris dancing than waving hankies and dancing around maypoles as Angelina Lombardo discovered when she went along to dance with Horwich Prize Medal Morris Men. ONE hundred years ago Morris dancing enjoyed real standing in the community -- a major-league activity, performances were a highlight of the social events calendar.

Modern Morris dancers enjoy less prestige but despite a distinctly "uncool" image, the ages-old mix of tradition and dance is still going strong in the 21st century.

It must have something going for it. I went along to find out what!

I arrived at Horwich Resource Centre around 8pm, tired and hungry -- straight from the office.

I'll admit I didn't relish the prospect of two hours of Morris dancing. Apart from anything else, I've never been a great fan of folk music.

Sensibly, secretary Bob Bradley had advised me that the floor was not sprung so I should wear appropriate footwear -- he suggested training shoes.

Team leader Roland Higson introduced me to the rest of the group, most of whom have been dancing together for years (the group was formed in 1976).

I was surprised to meet Sam Wilcock, aged eight, who is decades younger than the rest of the group and has been dancing with them since he was just six.

He joined after seeing the team perform at a local carnival and is unfazed by the age difference between himself and his team mates.

Mum Sue takes him along to practice sessions and travels with him when the group performs. Now she plans to get more involved and is learning to play the drum.

Providing the music for this session were Diana Bradley, playing accordion and Doug Smith on the melodeon.

After a quick demonstration of the single step (the easiest of the dance steps), I was shown how to hold my sticks and taught the basics of the Blackrod dance.

Once I'd co-ordinated hand and feet, I began to enjoy myself.

The brilliant thing about getting fit is it can be a sociable thing if you want it to be and Morris dancing definitely has that social element.

As I chatted to individuals between dances I learned about the different aspects of Morris dancing.

This team dances Lancashire Morris as opposed to Cotswold, Border, Garland, Long or Rapper Sword) -- and they perform in clogs rather than shoes.

The participants are surprisingly fit, lean and energetic, their moves well choreographed and quite demanding.

Teamwork, I realised, is the essence of Morris dancing and the group takes pride in a polished performance. But I sensed that results at big events came second to having a good time.

Diana, who has taught Morris dancing to children, managed to teach me the more complicated polka step which is part of Hindley Street and Original dances.

I quickly realised this activity provides a surprisingly good cardiovascular workout as well as strengthening the leg and arm muscles.

Without a doubt, the most effective workouts are those that last a long time (more than 30 minutes), at a middle level of intensity.

And Morris dancing has all the advantages of a good aerobic workout without the risk of muscle and joint injury associated with higher impact activities (although I wouldn't fancy dancing in clogs).

The different dances use brightly-coloured sticks (with bells on them), slings (made of plaited cotton remnants) and ticklers (based on bobbin winders used in the textile industry) -- NOT hankies!

Chatting to the group between routines I discovered it's thought possible Morris dancing was the inspiration behind the American cheerleader routines that began to emerge after the second world war.

The whole session was fabulous fun, a real break from studio and gym-based exercise.

By 10pm, I felt mentally refreshed but my T-shirt was clinging to my back.

If you'd enjoy a workout full of effort, commitment, and yes, sweat...this could be for you.

But one of the joys of Morris dancing, as I discovered, is the social nature of the activity -- and this team were quick to invite me to join them for a drink in the pub afterwards.

Unfortunately 10pm is past my bedtime, and strangely, as I drove home, I found myself humming those darned folk tunes. Horwich Prize Medal Morris Men practise most Wednesday evenings from 8pm to 10pm. Anyone interested in joining them should contact secretary, Bob Bradley on 01204 840949 HHH

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Ratings

Cardiovascular

Strength

Endurance

Flexibility

Fun

Feelgood Pic caps

ref J518/5 Angelina with Horwich Prize Medal Morris Men

Angelina performing the single step Blackrod dance ref: J417/9

ref J418/10 Not a hanky in sight, just sticks (like these), slings and ticklers! RATINGS