Longsword dancing refers to kind that uses swords that are inflexible, unlike the ‘bendy’ rapper swords. The swords are usually made of steel or wood. Theblades are not sharp, and usually resemble a palette knife in shape. Dances are usually performed by 6 or 8 dancers (though the Papa Stour dance has 7, and newer dances can have any number from 3 onwards). A longsword dance will usually last around 10 minutes, though some a very short, and some much longer!
Typically a longsword dance will, for the most part, contain a series of figures where all the dancers are ‘linked’ by the swords, that is, each dancer will hold the sword handle in their right hand, and offer the tip of their sword to the dancer on their right, thus forming a circle. A series of simple or complex figures will then be performed where dancers step (or jump!) over, or pass under, the swords without breaking the circle. Non-linked figures include the dancers performing intricate patterns while ‘clashing’ the swords together.
Almost all dances will include, often as the finale, a sword ‘lock’. This is where all the swords are locked together, then held aloft by one of the dancers. The pattern made by the locked swords can resemble a star, a triangle, a square, or innovative variations of these patterns. Some dances will include a ‘captain’ figure, who will sing a ‘calling on’ song before the dance begins.
Longsword is often considered to be a Yorkshire tradition. Of the five remaining ‘traditional’ teams whose origins go back around 150-200 years, four of them are based in Yorkshire. But the fifth traditional team is based in Scotland and almost certainly comes from different origins.
The truth is that, while there are many and varied theories about the origins of longsword in this country, no one really knows its origins.