Bree (Manx youth movement)
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English: Vitality | |
 Logo for Bree | |
| Formation | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Type | Cultural movement, youth movement |
| Purpose | Promotion of traditional Manx music and dance. |
Region served | Isle of Man |
Key people | Dr. Chloë Woolley |
Parent organization | Culture Vannin |
| Website | Manx Music |
Bree is a youth educational movement organised by Culture Vannin on the Isle of Man that gives children between the ages 10 and 18 the opportunity to learn traditional Manx music, dance, and culture.[1] Bree is a Manx word that means 'vitality or 'energy'. The movement organises the annual workshop weekend every autumn and also runs monthly sessions through the year.[1]
Although the Isle of Man has a long history of Gaelic music, much of it was only recorded in the 19th century when the Island became a destination for mass tourism and knowledge of traditional music began to diminish.[2] After a long period of decline, punctuated by the work of collectors such as Dr John Clague and Mona Douglas, Manx traditional music saw a resurgence in the 1960s and Manx music and dance is taught in all the schools on the Island.[2] Popular interest has developed into groups like Bree and music festivals such as Shennaghys Jiu and Cooish.
Founded in 2006 by Culture Vannin, the movement's objective is to introduce and develop Manx culture for the Island's young musicians and dancers and to ensure that it remains part of a living tradition. Bree was modelled on the Scottish Feis movement which aims to develop skills in the Gaelic arts for young people.[3][4]