Join the Sword Dance Revival: Keep the Longsword Tradition Alive!

The Redcar Sword Dancers are a traditional dance group from the North East of England, specifically Redcar and Cumbria. Although the group was officially formed in 1967, the tradition of longsword dancing in the area goes back much further, with roots stretching back about 200 years. The group was started after a member of the Redcar Folk Club discovered an old journal that described the dance and the play that accompanies it. Inspired by this find, a small group began meeting regularly to practice and revive both the dance and the play, hoping to bring back a piece of local history.

Brian Pearce, who is known as the 'King' of the Redcar Sword Dancers, is now 78 years old. He has dedicated many years to keeping the tradition alive, but he admits that the group is struggling to attract younger members. Most of the current dancers are older, and Brian worries that without new recruits, the group may not be able to continue. He feels a strong sense of responsibility to preserve the tradition, not only for those who started it but also for those who have kept it going over the years. Brian says it has been an honor to be part of the group and to help maintain a unique part of Greatham's history.

Moira Clarke has been the group's musician for the past 25 years. She believes that the music is a vital part of the dance and always tries to make it enhance the performance. Moira shares Brian's concerns about the future of the group, saying that if they cannot find new members, she fears the tradition will die out. She hopes that more people, especially younger ones, will become interested in longsword dancing so that it can be passed down to future generations. The Redcar Sword Dancers are known for their bright red uniforms decorated with ribbons and badges, and their performances often include a play where a character is beheaded and then revived by a doctor. The group is reaching out to the community, hoping that their story will inspire new members to join and help keep this historic tradition alive.