As Lorna has written in praise of the ancient art of the morris I think I had better own up to my short and largely inglorious career as a morris dancer when doing Museums Studies in Leicester. I can still do the steps, I think, but fortunately am not called upon to do so these days.
I reckon the reserve and scepticism of the English about the morris derives from not quite knowing what to make of a bunch of chaps dancing together. Usually rather hairy chaps too.
How far it is really an authentic folk art is the subject of scholarly debate. There are 16th century references to ‘moriscos’ and morris dancing, but some reckon the current form is largely a Victorian re-invention. But any way it’s a lot of fun!