Helmsley Sword Dance

Adlington Morris Men perform a variation of the Helmsley Longsword Dance taught to them by Trevor Stone in. Helmsley falls into the Vale of York group of dances - the largest family with the most extant surviving dances.  
 
The original form of dance is known to have been performed in this market town between 1860 and 1895. Cecil Sharp collected brief details in 1913 of the dance, when he spoke to Mr Stephen Barton, who gave details of the dance as was performed at Christmas time circa 1880.  
 

Trevor Stone used Sharp's notes to develop the dance in workshops at the Sidmouth Folk Festival in 1979. His own side, Spen Valley, changed this slightly in 1980 using knowledge of the other dances from the same area. They adopted it as their major dance replacing 'North Skelton'. Trevor taught Adlington Morris Men who were looking to replace their previous dance, of Kirby Malzeard with one that had more life and variation. A continuing pattern of evolution resulted in an (unintended) change in the rotation of the set in Triangles (clockwise rather than anti-clockwise) and the retention of Adlington's method of achieving the final double lock.    This dance has less claim to an 'authentic' history, but displays the authentic progress of a living tradition with all the resulting flaws and associated development - and it is enjoyable to dance.    Although the dance has its own unique tune, Adlington usually dance to the tune played on the pipe and tabor, or accordion.

Photo - R Jackson

 The dance is performed with a driving drop step, landing heavily onto the left foot. Six dancers perform figures of The Clash; Hilt and Point Ring; Third man over/ under (Singles); Over Neighbour's Sword; The Single Lock; Half Pousette; Dip and Dive; Triangles; Hilt and Point Ring; Double under/ over (Doubles); Triangular Double Lock. 
 
Adlington dance this in white shirt & breeches, red waist sash; and red, orange and green arm ribbons. We have considered a more authentic costume at times, but prefer to go for simplicity of change from the Morris Dancing kit. 
 
With acknowledgement to Trevor Stone