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Handsworth Sword Dancers
   
Photo: Handsworth Sword Dancers

The Handsworth Longsword Dance attracts interest from all over the world. The tradition is well over a hundred years old, but the number of dancers has recently decreased and gives cause for concern about the future.

"There are all sorts of reasons why we're struggling for numbers," says their Captain, John Pitts, whose father Harry was faced with a similar problem back in the 1960s. "Some of the older ones are feeling aches and pains after forty years of dancing. Several other regular dancers have moved away from Sheffield, two of them to university."

In their unique hussar-like uniforms the eight-man team dances on Boxing Day at Woodhouse Cross and outside Handsworth Church. At other times of the year they are invited to perform at home and abroad. Baghdad has been their most exotic location.

Knowing the dance brings the opportunity to take part in many interesting events, to keep fit, and, above all, to contribute to a famous local tradition.

Practices take place on Wednesday evening throughout the year, and new members are always welcome. Full instruction is given in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Anyone interested in knowing more should contact Donald Watts on 0114 258 5283.

spacer The above piece first appeared in South Riding Folk Network News. We understand that the situation is improving, but the team could still do with more new members. They don't have a website at present, but you can see more at

Handsworth Community Forum: http://www.handsworth.org.uk/
FolkTrain 2003: pictures

Photo: Handsworth Sword Dancers in 1922
Photographs courtesy of Handsworth Sword (Haddon Hall, 2003)  
and the English Folk Dance & Song Society (1922)  

 

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