Mass Molly at King's Lynn

...funded by Heritage Lottery, “Of Giants, Wisewomen, Ploughboys and Kings” came to its Norfolk conclusion with a large performance in the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange. With over 200 performers and a sell-out 600+ audience, the show featured more molly dancers dancing at the same time than on any other occasion for at least 100 years. Pupils performed traditional and modern dance alongside the Ouse Washes Molly Dancers, three of whom work for Norfolk Our World Festivals who taught the dance and associated traditions.
An important aspect of the project is the interweaving of subjects from a number of curriculum areas. As well as learning the dance pupils learned and dramatised local story, wrote poems about the unique landscape of the Fens as well as the history and geography of the area.
The project has now worked in 24 fenland villages and the knowledge shared with over 5000 local residents through performances in village halls and high quality publications. The lottery funding makes it possible for the pupils to work at the traditions over a long period and reach a high standard, an essential ingredient if we are to show that folk arts are a serious contribution to cultural development.