OUR AIMS

    Encouraging and maintaining the tradition and development of    

    sword dancing

    Supporting the evolution of sword dancing

    Striving for excellence of performance

    Providing a social network giving support for any interested parties

    Widening the public understanding of sword dancing

    Being a point of contact for a network of knowledge and resources

    Promoting research relating to sword dance

    Developing and maintaining archives

    Working alongside and together with and supporting other

    organisations and individuals to achieve the objectives

The Sword Dance Union was founded in 2005 following discussion within the English sword dance community, where it was felt that only an organisation dedicated to the traditional sword dances of England could optimally promote and preserve those dances. It was also felt desirable to include performers of the same dances in the USA and other countries within the remit of the organisation, as well as the related dances found in continental Europe.

It was also felt that the SDU should complement, rather than supplant, the existing organisations dedicated to traditional English dances, and the SDU is therefore committed to working with other organisations supporting the SDU's aims.

Membership of the SDU is open to all individuals and sword dance teams who support the aims and objectives of the SDU, without restriction by locality, age or gender. Subscription fees and benefits are to be confirmed.