Longsword dancing
Longsword dancing is a traditional sword dance from Yorkshire and parts of northern England, performed by teams of dancers linked together by long, flexible steel swords. Despite how it sounds, Longsword is not a combat display! The dance is about teamwork, rhythm and precision, with the dancers weaving patterns, figures and locks as the swords are passed and connected.
Traditionally performed around Christmas and during seasonal celebrations, longsword dancing has deep roots in village and industrial communities. Different teams have their own styles, ranging from graceful and flowing to fast and dramatic. At festivals like Swanage, longsword offers a striking contrast to other folk dance traditions and remains a living part of English folk culture.
This video isn’t just Longsword, we’re working on that – so if you have a Longsword video we could use instead, please get in touch.
Many thanks to Brian Kelly of the Morris Federation for this great video and the background information.
Border Morris
Loud, energetic and theatrical dances from the Welsh border counties, often using sticks, drums, face paint and Tatters (rag jackets).
North West Morris
Dances inspired by workers in the cotton weaving industries in the North West of England, dance patterns represent the working of the looms and shuttles.
Rapper sword dancing
Fast, intricate dances using flexible linked swords, traditionally performed in pubs and streets across North East England.
Molly dancing
A lively East Anglian tradition mixing dance, character performance and humour, often with colourful costumes and playful chaos.
Longsword dancing
Traditional linked-sword dances from Yorkshire and northern England, combining teamwork, rhythm and carefully woven formations.