Long sword dance

[4] Cecil Sharp and other 20th Century folklorists believed that the dances originated from a religious or magical ceremony that was performed around Plough Monday to promote fertile soil;[5] later researchers have cast doubt on such findings.

[6] They were banned under Oliver Cromwell, but revived when the monarchy was restored under Charles II.

[7] Long sword dances are most commonly found in Yorkshire and the southern part of County Durham,[8] with particular concentrations of dances in East Cleveland, the northern part of the North York Moors and around Sheffield.

Others have different features including variations of numbers of dancers and distinctive movements.

The International Sword Spectacular took place in Whitby, England, in May 2004 and was held again in York in May 2008.