The Sallyport Sword Dancers are a sword dance team, founded in 1969, who perform the traditional rapper and longsword dances of the North-East of England. The rapper sword dance tradition is one of taking the dance to the people, usually when they are trying to enjoy an otherwise undisturbed pint somewhere! Sallyport are at the heart of this tradition; the dance is at home in the pubs, and so are Sallyport.
We also do our share of more cultural events such as numerous festivals and the Durham Miners' Gala.
And we have won the sword dancers’ annual competition – the prestigious Dancing England Rapper Tournament – on several occasions, including most recently in 2011.
We currently perform traditional rapper sword dances from Newbiggin and Beadnell in Northumberland, and Winlaton, Murton and Swalwell in County Durham, along with a longsword dance from Poppleton in Yorkshire. These each have a distinctive style and character, lending diversity to our repertoire.
We hold regular practices at the The Sun Inn in Swallwell, near Gateshead, and also have strong links with the famous Cumberland Arms in the Byker district of Newcastle. New members are always welcome.