Rapper sword (also known as the "Short Sword" dance) is a variation of sword dance that emerged from the pit villages of Tyneside in North East England, where miners first performed the tradition.
The dance requires five performers who coordinate themselves whilst using "rapper swords" made from flexible steel. Accompanies with traditional folk music, the dancers wear specially-designed shoes that allow for percussive foot movements. Mental alertness, in additional to physical agility, is required in order for dance participants to effectively utilize the swords without causing harm to themselves or the other performers.
Read more about Rapper Sword: History, Costume, Further Information
Famous quotes containing the word sword:
“March indefatigably on,
And for the last effect
Still keep thy Sword erect:
Besides the force it has to fright
The Spirits of the shady Night;
The same Arts that did gain
A Pow’r must it maintain.”
—Andrew Marvell (1621–1678)