The style of morris dancing known as 'border' originates mainly from four English counties - Shropshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire. The origins of the tradition are lost in the mists of time, but it is quite probable that border morris dancing predates the other styles of morris dancing given that it is arguably more simplistic in its style than the morris dances of the Cotswolds and North West of England.

Border morris dancing was at its height in the 1850's - 1860's and was always performed by men. Each village had its own style of dancing and costume, and dances were developed which were exclusive to a particular village. Border dancers often would black their faces with burnt cork to disguise their identity if they were busking, which was tantamount to begging in the nineteenth century. The dancers were sometimes referred to as 'Not For Joers' and the dancing as 'Not For Joeing' after the popular border dance and tune 'Not For Joe'.

As the twentieth century developed, the popularity of border morris dancing faded. Its revival in the 1970's is mostly due to the influence of John Kirkpatrick and his team 'Shropshire Bedlams', providing the inspiration for modern-day border morris dancing teams throughout the world.

Hot For Joe is an Adelaide-based women's border morris team formed in 1993 by Mary McFadden. The team has developed a highly styled, truly unique form of morris dancing, which essentially emphasises the importance of precise and energetic dancing while at the same time presenting a mysterious, wild and dramatic performance. In both 1995 and 1997, the group was the recipient of a South Australian Folk Federation Award, and were also nominees for a SAMIA (South Australian Music Industry Association) award in both of these years. These accolades have reflected not only the group's growing popularity, but also a renewed respect for this ancient art form.

All of the dance repertoire has been choreographed within the team and some of the tunes used are also originals. When performing in public, Hot For Joe wear a 'kit' which consists of black tunic dresses, black and white striped leggings and black 'Doc Marten' type boots. Bells are worn on the feet, and faces are painted black in a mask-like appearance, just as those of our border-dancing ancestors were. During the warmer months, a more appropriate version of the kit is worn - featuring less layers and more skin!

Since its inception, Hot For Joe have attracted a strong following, and have performed at such events as the Woodford Folk Festival (Qld), the National Folk Festival (Canberra), the Maldon Folk Festival (Vic), the South Australian Folk Festival, South Australian Medieval Fair, the South Australian Tourism Awards, and the Adelaide Fringe Festival.

Hot For Joe is an inspiring modern interpretation of an ancient dance tradition.

Click on the gallery button to view the Hot for Joe photo galleries

Or check out these short clips of the gals dancing:

Hot For Joe, Brecknock Hotel, Adelaide

Or see how it should be done, courtesy of The Fast Show:

If you are interested in joining the side, now is the PERFECT TIME!

Our Contact Details are below, please feel free to get in touch.

The English Ale last happened on 12th May 2007 at Bridgewater Oval

There was no Ale in 2008 due to overseas travel commitments by the English Ale organisers

However, the event will return in 2009!

To see pictures from previous English Ales, click on the banner above

Adrienne Piggott - adriennepiggott@iprimus.com.au

Ph: 08 8131 0228 - Mobile: 0438 310 228

Paul Gooding - plande@adam.com.au

Ph: 08 8278 6510 - Mobile: 0417 087 030

Hot For Joe also have their own MySpace page. Click on the link below to check out the site and join up as a friend

Would you like your link on our page? If so, Contact the Web Dude

Paul plays diatonic button accordions made by Peter Hyde.
For details of the finest custom made instruments, visit Hyde Accordions or Peter's MySpace Page

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This site was last updated by PaulyWorly on 29.05.2008

It never stops...just like a real melodeon