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The Evolution of Morris DancingMorris dancing has transformed from a male-dominated tradition to one where women now account for more than half of Britain's Morris dancers. This shift began in 1975 when the Morris Federation was created specifically to allow women to join sides, while the older Morris organization didn't allow teams with women until 2018.A Celebration of Female Tradition-BearersPhotographer Hollie Fernando was inspired to document Boss Morris, an all-female side, after seeing them perform with the band Wet Leg at the Brits. Fernando aimed to celebrate the evolution of this traditional dance form by focusing on young women who are both honoring and reinventing it.The Creative Process Behind the PortraitThe photoshoot took place during the summer solstice on Rodborough Common in Stroud. Fernando collaborated with the group to create a unique look, borrowing Victorian nightgowns and bloomers from a friend, while a stylist from Boss helped assemble the outfits. The group usually paints their faces for performances, but for this shoot, florist Emma created floral decorations instead.The Mysterious Character of CaprihornThe goat in the background of the portrait is Caprihorn, one of Boss's beast characters. The costume is based on a medieval manuscript showing mummers in animal masks. The founder Alex Merry was underneath the moss face, which was stuck on with eyelash glue, inspiring another member Rhia to write a fable called "The Mossy Babber."Fernando's Artistic VisionFernando's photography style is influenced by the pre-Raphaelites, which her father introduced her to at Tate Britain. She still shoots on medium-format film and hand prints wherever possible, seeking a particular green tone that's difficult to emulate digitally. She named the project "Hoydenish," an old word describing boisterous, untameable, and free-spirited women.The Future of Female Morris DancingAfter her experience with Boss Morris, Fernando is inspired to start a new female side in Brighton. "I have many friends who would be up for it – I just need to make sure I can find the time to do it justice," she said. This reflects the growing momentum of women in traditional dance forms and the potential for further evolution of these art forms.