Tommy and Betty facts for kids

Tommy and Betty are two special characters in a traditional English dance called rapper sword dance. They often act like the father and mother figures for the dancers. Their main job is to introduce the dance to the audience and make sure everyone is having fun and watching closely. These characters are a very important part of this old tradition, just like in many other folk dances across England and Europe.

Who Are Tommy and Betty?

Tommy and Betty are key figures in the lively rapper sword dance. They help tell the story of the dance. They also make the audience feel like they are part of the show. These characters have been around for a very long time. People wrote about them even before the flexible rapper sword was used in the dance.

Names in the Past

Long ago, in the Tyne Valley area, the Tommy character was usually called "The Captain." The Betty character was known as "Bessy." Sometimes, there were even more characters, like a doctor. These extra characters would perform a short play before the dance. This play was a bit like a Mummers play, which are traditional folk plays.

How They Dressed

The Tommy character had different ways of dressing up. Sometimes, he wore fancy clothes like a waistcoat, a tailcoat, and a top hat. Other times, he wore strange costumes made from animal hides. It was even common for Tommy to dress in women's clothing, just like Betty. Their costumes and roles are very old. They might even be older than the sword dance itself.

Tommy and Betty Today

In modern rapper sword dances, Tommy usually starts the show. He often sings a special "calling-on song" to introduce the dancers. After that, Tommy keeps the audience entertained. He does this by telling jokes or giving a running commentary during the dance. Both Tommy and Betty often join in with the dancers during the performance.

Famous Characters

Some of the most well-known Tommy and Betty characters belong to the Newcastle Kingsmen dance team. Their characters have won awards many times. They won the prize for best characters at the national DERT competitions in both 2004 and 2005. DERT stands for "Dancing England Rapper Tournament."

The Kingsmen's Unique Start

The Newcastle Kingsmen's dance begins with their Tommy character singing the "Calling On Song." The Betty character joins the dance a bit later, usually halfway through. This delayed entrance is unusual for rapper sword teams. It gives Tommy time to tell many jokes and warm up the crowd.

When Betty finally appears, she makes a big entrance. She might pop up through a trap door, ride in on a bicycle, or even carry a vacuum cleaner! This exciting entrance helps to get the audience's attention again. This is especially helpful in large places or at big festivals in other countries.