The Sword Dance Union was created to provide a focus for all things related to longsword and rapper dancing in the UK. It oversees the annual Dance England Rapper Tournament (DERT) in March, and the annual Longsword Tournament in October.
There are dozens of teams throughout the country, all with their own unique dance, style, and twist on these long-standing traditions. Some teams perform only longsword, some only rapper, but others do both, or include other folk traditions such as morris dancing and mummers plays.
On this site you will find all you need to know about these traditions, where the various teams are throughout the country, and how to contact teams near you!
All teams are keen to keep these traditions alive, and welcome allcomers to their ranks. Sword dancing is a fun pastime, and anyone with a general level of fitness and a willingness to learn will find it a rewarding pursuit.