Les.
I agree with you in much of what you say, but as Keith says above in terms of the times that we are talking of none of these people would recognise the Word racism there attitudes and language were of there time, and as we are separated by mor than a century its difficult to guess what the attitude of the man on the Clapham omnibus or his equivalent towards black people was. BUT, I don't think that just because modern Border style dancers choose to retain the genres most distinctive feature, IE a black face that gives you the right to imply that they are all closet racists. its a fact when the dances were collected the dancers wore black faces and if you are going to give an accurate portrayal of what they did you have accept that. You don't have to accept any negative stereotyping that may or may not have gone with it,

As I have said all I have to say, and don't wish this thread to descend into an exchange of vitriol I shall withdraw !!   I respect your views, I think you over exaggerate your case, but I have enjoyed the exchange of views.
Regards Henry Piper.