This Topic is obviously very Heartfelt by several people, who no doubt will continue to argue their points if view on both sides.
As I mentioned earlier I have long ago retired from Dancing, so the topic is of less important too me than it once, I still maintain that whilst blacking up may in modern times and with our modern sensibilities be considered offensive by some, it was, a 19th century development of an already existing tradition, and that development was undoubtedly influenced by the popularity of minstrel troupes. At the time it was not considered offensive, but times and sensibilities change, and those who continue to black up in the interest of historical accuracy should make every effort to explain to audiences the social and historic context in which these dances were done.I think we have to acknowledge our past, Faults and all, and whether we like it or not this is how the dances were done, and I do believe that as well as developing and expanding a tradition we should always keep in mind its origin and development. I shall now leave this discussion to others !!.

Incidentally one of the reasons I gave up dancing, was what I observed as the poor dancing standards of some teams. Little attempt to keep within the constraints of what WAS known of this meagre tradition, such as "over the Top" and ever more ridiculous costumes huge bands of inappropriate musical instruments, and an insistence on foisting rubbish about "Pagan Fertility Rites" on the audience, So I I'm Certainly with Les on that.
Regards to all Henry.