THE history of longsword dancing and its place in Teesdale’s traditions will form the focus of a free, practical workshop later this month.
Organised by Music at the Heart of Teesdale (M@HoT), the event, which will offer those present the chance to have a go, takes place at Winston Village Hall on Saturday, April 21.
It will be led by M@HoT’s longsword dance tutor Patrick Langdon.
For many years he was the foreman (dancing master) of Spen Valley Longsword, in West Yorkshire.
A retired teacher and lecturer, he has run longsword dance workshops at folk festivals and currently teaches Teesdale Longsword youth team.
Longsword dancing was quite a common sight in Teesdale villages in the 19th century, with records of performances in more than 60 places in Yorkshire and the Tees Valley – but virtually nowhere else in the country.
Mr Langdon said: “Longsword dancing is always a team performance. The swords are always held. They are never placed on the ground while the dancers perform solo dances, as is the case in Highland Scots dances.
“At some point in the dance the side forms a shape of interwoven swords, usually a six or eight pointed star, known as the lock.
“In order to join in, all anyone would really need to be able to do is stand, walk, bend and have reasonable flexibility.”
He added: “It would probably help if participants wore comfortable footwear on the day, not high heels or flip-flops, and trousers rather than skirts.”
The workshop has been made possible thanks to support from the Arts Council. It is open to all ages and takes place from 10am to 2pm. Booking is preferred but not essential.
Contact Mr Langdon on 07834 644026, or email plangdon_uk@yahoo.co.uk.
