Folklore: Sword dancing endangered

Subject: sword dance petition (UK)
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 07:18 AM

forwarding a message I received from the "Folk Camps" organisation. the bill is meant to stop (or at least reduce) knife attacks, not dancing:

Have you ever done or watched sword dancing? As a Folk Camper, the chances are that you have. Did you know that this activity is about to become illegal?

The government is introducing the "Violent Crimes Reduction Bill". Under this legislation the sale or use of swords will be prohibited unless for historical re-enactment or sporting activities.

Currently, the government does not recognize dance as either a historical re-enactment or a sporting activity and therefore dancers are not included within the exemption for the purchase & use of swords with regards to the Violent Crimes Reduction Bill.

Traditional folklore dances in England since as far back as 1700s have been known to use props such as sticks and swords as part of their dances. These dances are forms of art that are of great historical & cultural relevance. Banning the purchase of and, more importantly, the use of these swords may cause such dancing to die out.

It is crucial that sword dances are preserved & allowed to continue.
There is a petition which is up on the home office website. Please show your support and sign the petition to get dance included so that we can continue to preserve and perform the beautiful art of sword dance. Whether you are a dancer or not, your support is needed, and fast. The closing date is 25th June 2008

More signatures are desperately needed; here is the link:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/dancers

Subject: RE: Folklore: Sword dancing endangered
From: GUEST,Peter- Stockport
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 07:45 AM

I am alarmed that Government should seek to implement further legislation which may impact on our heritage. But, I can find no mention of outlawing swords except to under 18 year olds on the Government site
look here
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/ria-violent-crime-bill-cov-0605/
Is it me? Am I missing something? Or are we getting up a petition that we don't need?
Peter

Subject: RE: Folklore: Sword dancing endangered
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:18 AM

Couple of threads already on this, but as I'm at work, I can't do the blicky thing.

LTS

Subject: RE: Folklore: Sword dancing endangered
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:20 AM

This has recently been discussed on the Morris Dance Discussion List. It seems that nothing used in traditional British sword dancing will be affected. The amendment specifies curved swords with a sharpened edge.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Sword dancing endangered
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:21 AM

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=111609

and

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=111540&messages=39

Will now try the clickies:

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=111609


http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=111540&messages=39

Subject: RE: Folklore: Sword dancing endangered
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:41 AM

Having read analysis by E-Bay about what they will be allowed to sell and to whom, the new legislation seems to only apply to Samauri swords, real or imitation. All other weapons remain as in previous legislation.

Personally I believe the whole thing is a Chicken Licken "The sky is falling in" type of reaction to something which wasn't there.
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Sword dancing endangered
From: GUEST,Chris Brownbridge
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:48 AM

The Scots use real swords, don't they?