Kirkburton Rapier Dancers regularly
perform 6 longsword dances, these being named Numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 &
7. Number 8 dance is currently being devised. All the dances are based on
both new and traditional figures. Very occasionally we may perform the
technically demanding Number 4 dance!
Performing No. 2 Dance and Song - Holmfirth Festival of Folk, 2011
There are seven performers during
each dance, six holding swords to form a circle, and the seventh being
the Captain, who sings the verses of the song, when neccessary and directs
the performance from outside the ring. The only times that the circle
is broken is at the beginning of the dance and at the
end once the interwoven lock has been formed.
Performing No. 5 Dance - Holmfirth Festival of Folk, 2011
During the dance each figure is generally repeated six
times, led off by each dancer in turn. In between some figures there is
a chorus when all dancers dance into the middle. The figures may vary
from year to year, or even between performances and as new ones are devised
they may be substituted into the dance. The same can be said for the music.
The only requirement of tunes is that they are in jig time.
Performing No. 3 Dance at a windy Upton-upon-Severn Folk Festival, 2011 - Courtesy of A. Dyson
Designed
by Tom Stringfellow ~ Please e-mail
with queries, comments or suggestions ~ Last updated 29/07/11