To the Editor:
On behalf of the Edgartown Public Library, I sincerely thank Newes of America Pub manager John Robert Hill for coordinating with Candace and the Swordfish Dancers, as well as the Pinewood Morris Men. Our library patrons, both young and old, really enjoyed these unique dance presentations.
Viewers who braved the sharp, blustery winds that blew Saturday, March 15, in the afternoon, were not disappointed. Dressed in satiny purple vests, white “poet shirts” with billowy sleeves, and black knee britches, the Swordfish Dancers performed with real metal swords as a musician played tunes “of ago era” on her concertina. A moustachioed drummer kept the beat on an ancient looking drum while he sang an old sea chanty “a cappella style.” The Swordfish Dancers signature ending features a “star” made of all the swords that are held high over their heads for all to see.
The Pinewood Morris Men, dressed in white pants and shirts, sporting blue and green ornamental sashes (aka “baldrics”) across their chests, as is their tradition, danced with gusto. Their clattering sticks, “kick-and-step” dances, and loud singing, conjure images of old world country fetes and ceremonies. This group performs at Sandwich’s Heritage Plantation, as well as in the Boston area, especially at holiday time, when they take part in the famous Christmas Revels.
This group enjoys educating its audiences in a now near extinct form of dancing. The best way to do that is to have the viewers try a bit of Morris dancing themselves, and that we did. Plenty of laughter could be heard, as the viewers put forth a great effort to replicate the dance patterns on the street in front of the Edgartown Library.
Engaging groups like these help to dust away the winter blahs and usher in what we hope will be a warm springtime, and it’s all thanks to John Hill and Swordfish Dancer spokesperson, Candace.
Donna M. Blackburn
Children’s Room Assistant
Edgartown Public Library