ABOUT THE SWORD DANCE UNION

 

The Sword Dance Union (SDU) was founded in 2005 with the aim of encouraging, developing and maintaining traditional sword dances.  The Union seeks to provide useful practical support to sword dance teams across the UK and internationally.  The Sword Dance Union aims to develop a stronger public understanding of the traditions involved.

It is run by a small but dedicated group who aim to provide sword teams with a communication network, practical and personal advice, archive material, competitive opportunities and in the UK, rapper or longsword loan. 

The Union runs events and competitions all over the UK, giving teams the chance to perform in front of their peers, sharpen up their dance skills and deepen their personal  understanding of the linked sword tradition.

Membership of the SDU is open to all individuals and sword dance teams who support the Union’s aims and objectives.

Sword Dance Union membership

The benefits

  • Reduced SDU event entrance fee
  • Advice on risk assessments and child protection issues
  • Facility to borrow rappers and longswords
  • Assistance with promotion of your sword team and your events
  • Recording and saving your team’s dance and adding them to the SDU Archive
  • Access to The Sword Dance Union Archive including dance and music notations
  • Expertise in improving team dances and providing experts
  • Advice on team member recruitment and event marketing
  • DERT and other competition judge recruitment and training
  • Voting at the AGM to influence the sword dancing community
  • Possible involvement at Committee level to further shape and direct the SDU
  • Take part in the next Digital Sword Project and join in with the world of sword dancing!