As far as the Lancashire tradition is concerned, there are two forms. The classic example is the 'garland', performed with a decorated half of a hoop. (As in 'Stubbins Lane Garland'.) The intricate movements have led to some of the dances being called 'maze dances.'

    In some places, there is also a tradition of sword dancing, or 'rapper', which seems to cross the Pennines to the North East.

    There are sometimes 'characters' introduced, often in connection with a Pace Egging ritual.

   The Bacup 'nutters' are a tradition all on their own - possibly introduced by quarry workers from Cornwall.

   All these dances a performed in clogs. It was never an 'all male' thing (at least from the eighteenth century), and mixed sides and women's sides were common. They appear to have been the preserve of particular communities, danced at 'Wakes' holidays, often in association with the local rush cart.

    To my way of thinking, they don't seem to bear any relation to Playford, or any kind of country dance for that matter. I have always understood that they were an old tradition, perhaps dating back to ancient fertility rituals.

    I have no doubt that they are the genuine article, and not a modern invention - many were preserved by girls' sides up to the 1920's. (And these were not Cecil Sharp influenced schoolgirls either, but local mill girls.)

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