Long Sword dance facts for kids
The Long Sword dance is a special type of sword dance mostly found in Yorkshire, England. In this dance, performers hold onto the hilt (handle) and point of long, stiff swords. These dances are usually performed around the Christmas season. People once believed these dances helped bring a good harvest for farmers.
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What is a Long Sword Dance?
The Long Sword dance is a traditional folk dance. It uses long, stiff swords made of metal or wood. This is different from the rapper sword dance, which uses flexible swords. Long Sword dances are often performed by groups of dancers who link their swords together. They create different shapes and patterns.
A Look at History
Long Sword dances have a long history in England. Some people used to think these dances came from old religious ceremonies. These ceremonies were performed around Plough Monday, which is a traditional farming holiday. The idea was to help the soil become fertile for growing crops.
At one point, these dances were actually banned in England. This happened during the time of Oliver Cromwell. But when the monarchy was restored under King Charles II, the dances were allowed again. This shows how important they were to local traditions.
Where You Can Find Them
Long Sword dances are most common in Yorkshire. You can find many teams in places like East Cleveland and the northern North York Moors. There are also teams around Sheffield.
Sometimes, these dances were also performed in other parts of northern and eastern England. This includes areas like Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Northumberland, and County Durham.
Different Dance Styles
Long Sword dances are not all the same. They can be performed in different ways. Some dances are slow and look very formal, almost like a military parade. An example is the dance from Grenoside. Other dances are much faster and full of energy, like those from Handsworth near Sheffield.
Dances also vary in other ways. Some have different numbers of dancers. Others have unique movements that make them special. Each village or team often has its own traditional style.
Performances Today
Many Long Sword dances are still performed by their original village teams. This is quite special, as many traditional dances are now only done by revival groups. Famous traditional teams include the Grenoside Sword Dancers, the Goathland Plough Stots, and the Flamborough Sword Dancers.
These teams often keep their old traditions alive. They perform their dances on special days like Boxing Day or Plough Monday. Besides local performances, Long Sword teams also appear at folk festivals. You might see them at events like the Sidmouth Folk Festival or the Beverley Folk Festival.
There have even been big festivals just for sword dancing. The International Sword Spectacular brought teams together in Whitby, England, in 2004. It was held again in York in 2008.
Images for kids
- Long sword dancing
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Boxing Day 2005 - The Grenoside Sword Dance Captain holds aloft the sword lock before placing it around his neck
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Boxing Day 2004 - The Grenoside Sword Dance Captain is ritually "beheaded" as the dancers withdraw their swords sharply from around his neck
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The final figure in the Sword Dance
