Women and girls breathe new life into traditional English dance

Blackpool, United Kingdom: Rain might be falling outside on the promenade in the English seaside resort of Blackpool but the inside of the Tower Ballr...

Blackpool, United Kingdom: Rain might be falling outside on the promenade in the English seaside resort of Blackpool but the inside of the Tower Ballroom -- billed as "the UK's most spectacular" -- is bathed in light, sequins, pompoms and music.

Dozens of women and girls are warming up before the end-of-season Carnival Morris dancing championships, which combines traditional English dance with Irish and Scottish forms, as well as cheerleading and jazz band majorettes.

Carnival Morris has its roots in the rhythmic, choreographed English folk dances that date back to medieval times but with a twist: only women can take part. According to fans, it has become hugely popular in recent years.

"It's the same steps and jumps as Morris dancing but Carnival Morris is for girls and women and it's competitive," said Susan Wilde, coach of the Platt Bridge team.

Now in her early 50s, she has been a member since she was five. The dance group has 70 members from age three to 60.