MORE details have emerged about a national dance competition involving swords which is set to take place in Burton next month.
More than 100 dancers are expected to descend on the town to take part in the Dancing England Rapper Tournament over three days from March 8 to 10.
Rapper sword dancing is a traditional style of dance that originated in the North East of England more than 150 years ago.
Twenty-five teams are registered to compete – with one team flying in from Odense in Denmark.
The tournament requires that the dance teams compete before a select panel of judges at host of pubs across the town and then Burton Town Hall.
A spokesman for the competition said: “Each team consists of five dancers who have honed their sword handling and stepping and tumbling into a fantastic exhibition.”
The dancing will take place in the Coopers Tavern, in Cross Street, the Devonshire Arms, in Station Street, the Old Cottage Tavern, in Byrkley Street, the Alfred, in Derby Street, and the Grange Inn, in Casey Lane.
Entrance to the pubs is free.
However, there will be charge of £5 for entrance to the Town Hall where more specialised competitions, an evening event and the prize giving will take place.
The spokesman added: “In the Town Hall, during the day, the youth and spotlight competitions will excite and fascinate visitors.
“The top five teams of the tournament will present a stunning exhibition of disciplined traditional sword dance.
“Later, a breathtaking showcase of dance will have everybody mesmerised with the breathtaking sword movements and the precise tapping of the stepping.
“Come along and see this exciting form of dance and be amazed at the athleticism of some of the teams.
“The dance requires five performers who coordinate themselves while using ‘rapper swords’ made from flexible steel.
“The accompanying music is traditional folk music and the dancers wear hard soled shoes that allow for percussive foot movements.
“Mental alertness, in additional to physical agility, is required”
More information is available by visiting www.DERT2013.org or www.risa.demon.co.uk
