North Skelton Sword Dance

North Skelton is a village in the UK. Sword dancing is a tradition in this village that has been around for years. Groups of six men would meet to practice routines with real swords. The students are truly amazed that they would use real swords as the moves that they do involve holding both ends of the swords and moving in different formations. 

There are different troupes from the village would go out to perform. This occurred more commonly in the early 1930s but has declined. There is a new beginning of teams at the Lockwood Beck Primary school. 

Our fifth grade students are working on a sword dance routine that was popular in North Skelton. We are using yard sticks covered in silver duct tape with black electrical tape for the handle. Students are in groups of six and working together on some intricate moves. It involves students in counting the beats in the music, working together in small groups and practicing various sword moves. I will post pictures soon of students working on it! Students will perform the routine at our annual Thankful Eagle Luncheon in November.