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.
To go to Deb's Memorial Page, click HERE
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:
| THE TIME | THE PLACE | THE DETAILS |
| 6th-8th August 2010 | Clare, SA | Whyalla Morris 21st Anniversary Ale |
| 4th September 2010 | The Folk Centre, cnr George Street and South Road, Thebarton, SA | Dancing as part of a special fundraising concert featuring all the acts in Spirit of Albion that are going to Woodford Folk Festival |
| 27th December 2010 - 1st January 2011 | Woodford, QLD | Woodford Folk Festival |
If you are interested in joining the side, now is the
Our Contact Details are below, please feel free to get in touch.
The English Ale last happened on 15th May 2010 at Mylor Hall and Oval
A Morris Ale also occurred within the English Ale Festival, with sides from all over Australia in attendance
The English Ale Festival will be returning on 14th May 2011!
To visit the Official English Ale Website, click on the banner above
To see some pictures from previous English Ales, click HERE
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
Hot for Joe is:
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
Home || Gallery 1 || Gallery 2 || Gallery 3 || Gallery 4
Web site and all contents © Copyright Hot For Joe 2010, All rights reserved.
This site was last updated by PaulyWorly on 02.07.2010
It never stops...just like a real melodeon