Community directory

Hoddesdon Crownsmen (Rapper Sword Dance Team)

This amateur group of enthusiasts is based in East Hertfordshire (just to the north of London) and they specialise in the performance of some of the North of England's finest dance traditions.

They specialise in the Rapper Sword Dance from the North East of England originally danced by coal miners. This is performed by five men who are linked together by the two handled flexible steel bladed swords which they twist and turn to make intricate patterns. The dancers are often accompained by two characters known as Tommy and Betty who bring an added note of humour to the proceedings.

Lady members perform Step Clog Dances in the traditions from the North East and North West of England.

The Crownmen also perform a mummers Play with its ritualistic enactment of the death and resurrection theme of the earth's annual fertility cycle.

Please phone for details of meetings.