Voxpop: Should morris dancers wear black face paint?

Carreg Las have changed the traditional border costume and use black and white face paint.

Cardiff’s folk dancers are shocked at the Twitter frenzy caused by David Cameron’s photo with blacked up morris dancers.

The photo caused a stir on Twitter on October 12, while the prime minister and Foxs Border Morris were branded as racist by British media.

However, on 29 November Cardiff’s folk dance community are welcoming to the city Cardigan’s Carreg Las morris and other border sides who will be dancing around the Cardiff Bay area.

Sally Davies, 54, a local cotswold morris dancer, said: “The anti-racist campaigners have demonstrated a knee-jerk reaction to a non-racist, ancient tradition.

“Blacking up originated from the 16^th century, when out of work farm labourers illegally begged for money during the winter, covering their faces in soot to avoid recognition. Should blacking up be allowed? Yes.”

Unlike border morris dancers, cotswold morris dancers use hankies and the tradition does not see face paint used.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0PczuIVz-Q[/youtube]

Carreg Las performing in Abercych

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lutq7hL0Vic[/youtube]

Cardiff Morris performing in Llanharan

PLEASE NOTE: The views expressed above are those of individual folk dancers and are not a statement on behalf of Cardiff Morris, Carreg Las or other folk sides or organisations in Cardiff.

Should morris dancers still be allowed to wear black face paint?

Sioned Merton, 42, radiographer’s assistant, North Wales

“It is tradition and I don’t find it offensive. People are making a mountain out of a molehill.”

Neil Merton, 40, welder, North Wales

“I don’t have a problem with it. The media attention was all blown out of proportion. There are far more important things to worry about.”

Emily Chen, 25, student, Cardiff Bay

“I think that the make-up is special. The different face paint is interesting and represents the amazing and different British culture.”

Ben Robinson, 35, technical team leader, Leicester

“I think it’s absolutely fine and that it’s a good standing tradition. I would be concerned if anyone is actually offended.”

Kueni Igbagiri, 23, student, Cathays

“I can’t say it is offensive; it was just a picture. Although it depends on the context, as face paint is also reminiscent of the black and white minstrel films.”

Beccy Woodedd, 23, student, Cathays

“I think it is definitely OK for them to use the face paint. It is a free country and it is their choice.”