The Sword Dance Union
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.
Welcome to the Sword Dance Union
Last updated 22nd Jan 2012
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The Rapperlympics – DERT London 2012
30 March - 1 April
An international sword dancing rampage across the capital
The Rapperlympics will feature a ceilidh with Panjandrum, open workshops and performances from some of the finest, most exciting and energetic rapper teams around.
What is DERT?
DERT is one of the most prestigious traditional dance competitions, attracting rapper sword
teams from across the world to prove their mettle. Rapper dancing was traditionally danced
in pubs and DERT continues this association, transforming a public house into a rapper arena.
Saturday night will be rounded off with music from the Hackney Colliery Band. DERT: London 2012 will be based at Cecil Sharp house in Camden and the fine pubs of Soho. Spectators as well as competing and non-competing rapper teams are all welcome.
Contact us : Sign up for DERT 2012 updates or join the friends scheme at
The SDU Tournament
2011
See ‘Events’ for results and photos
next years date 6th Oct 2012
Gateshead
ONE DAY RAPPER
The next One Day Rapper event takes place at the Tiger Inn, Long Eaton.
One Day Rapper will be joined by Black Pig Border Morris who will be running some exciting, energetic and colourful workshops.
Come along on Saturday to learn a traditional rapper dance which you will then display on a pub crawl in the evening. Stay or join us for the Sunday where you can relax and enjoy the Border Morris tradition in all it's glory. Black Pig workshops will run from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm with lunch provided.
Costs are as below:
One Day Rapper (Saturday) £30
Black Pig Border Morris Workshop/s£8/£14 Full Weekend £40
Have you been to One Day Rapper before? If so you are entitled to a loyalty discount of 20%!
For more details see website
