Miner Dancers (1926)

Full title reads: "Miner Dancers. Winlaton's Veteran Troop of working miners ... the youngest is over 60! rehearse their centuries old dances for forthcoming All-England Folk Dance Festival".
Northumberland.
M/S of group of elderly men in flat caps removing their jackets. They are watched by a crowd of people standing at side of village square. Each man holds a sword. High angled shot of men walking into middle of square and stand in a line. One man turns and reprimands boisterous crowd of children behind them.
The dancing team of five men men then do a traditional jig, creating an unbroken chain with their swords. A sixth man plays an accompaniment on a penny whistle. Various shots of dance, including close up on their clogs tapping. At the end of the dance, they entwine their swords to create a star shape. Panning C/U of the dancers, one man holds the star shaped mesh of swords.
Cuts exist - see separate record for details.
Note: this form of dancing is called 'rapper dancing' and originates for North East England. AH 2001.
FILM ID:662.06
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British Pathé also represents the Reuters historical collection, which includes more than 136,000 items from the news agencies Gaumont Graphic (1910-1932), Empire News Bulletin (1926-1930), British Paramount (1931-1957), and Gaumont British (1934-1959), as well as Visnews content from 1957 to the end of 1984. All footage can be viewed on the British Pathé website. www.britishpathe.com/

[@johnjones4129]

This is absolutely priceless. Thanks for posting this historical film.

[@jsa-z1722]

This is brilliant. 👏👏👏

[@helpmehelp3009]

The last time I saw this inadequacies pub in Byker, it was Newcastle University students who did it. It called the sword dance, from the blades which they use to clean fur of the pit ponies!

[@RobT192]

That was amazing. Thanks

[@gavinmillar7519]

Yes - incredible. So amazing.

[@susanlockett2407]

This is just wonderful!

[@guickdotto4552]

Look at all those kids!

[@johnjones4129]

Many families would have up to 15 children then..

[@Groovemannn]

!!!

[@transporttimeagain3632]

Thought it was Morris dancers