Picture above: Orientalist Dance by Alkis Raftis ISBN: 960-7204-20-4, 2007, Dora Stratou Dance Theatre, Athens, Greece

Sword dances have been performed throughout the history of the world–in Greece, the Middle East, India, China, Korea, Japan, Scotland and Europe. Many of these are mock battle dances. In Romania a sword dance called Calusari is part of a ritualistic dance containing elements of fertility ritual and horse worship. These dances were largely male displays of courage.

Beauty is power; a smile is its sword.
John Ray

British Dancers with Swords Source: http://www.countiesfolkagency.co.uk)

Female sword dancing, or Raks al sayf, was not widespread in the Middle East. Men in Egypt performed a dance called el ard, a martial arts dance involving upraised swords, but women were not widely known to use swords as props during their dancing in public. However, paintings and engravings of the French artist Jean-Léon Gérôme (who visited Egypt in the 18th century) show sword dancers balancing sabers on their head. Sword dancing, (Raqs al Saïf) is widespread in Turkey, Pakistan-India and Iran.

Women dancing with swords is an ancient skill in North Africa. Bedouin dancers of the Sahara dance in honor of their husbands. Some tribes had sword dancers at their wedding to bring good luck. The dancer is untouchable by other men. This ritual dance had psychic consequences: A married female sword dancer who was unfaithful to her husband lost everything, including her dancing skills.

Women’s sword dancing evolved out of sword fighting between men in Egypt and Turkey. There was even a time when sword dancing was banned by the Sultan during Ottoman rule, as it was believed that dancers who took a sword from a soldier and pretended to “kill” him at the end of the performance collected the swords to begin a resistance against the army. These swords were never returned.

An Arabic dance sword is specifically designed and made to balance upright on the dancer’s hips, head, forehead and chin. The Chinese sword is flat, however a dancer would balance this type of sword flat on her head. Indian war swords are inexpensive and readily available and can be balanced on the narrow edge.

I am not afraid of the pen, or the scaffold, or the sword.
I will tell the truth wherever I please.
Mother Jones

Here in America and in other western countries, sword dancing is popular due to its dramatic nature, symbolic energy, and difficulty of performing. Dancing with a sword illustrates a woman’s strength and power, as well as poise and balance. This writer dances with three swords; Marguerite dances with five, Andre Elbing the photographer from Germany says he uses seven.

A Bedouin woman performing a sword dance, c. 1910 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_dance

A dancer wishing to perfect sword dancing should begin by practicing movements with something else on her head—a book, wood block or cane. If this is difficult, tying a scarf around the head might be helpful. Sword dancing helps the dancer perfect her isolation movements, as the weight of the sword on her head forces her to articulate.

Never give a sword to a man
who can’t dance.
Confucius

Shoulder shimmies are particularly challenging as they cause the head to move. Changing levels adds lovely sculptural effects in saber dancing—flat feet to toes, down to one knee, and even Turkish style reclining and rolling movements. Spinning is another powerful practice. This writer once counted Marguerite doing 82 spins with a couple of swords on her head—she sets the bar really high! Some dancers twirl the saber; some do not. Either way, be sure the sword and handle are securely attached. Holding the arms upright may help with confidence during the balancing portion of this dance.

An Italian Alps Sword Dancer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_dance)

The most mysterious feminine factor, the existence that we men, we don’t know:

It’s woman. It’s feminine.
That’s what the sword is about.
That’s the symbolic meaning of the sword.
Ang Lee

Using a metal file to put a few notches on the edge of the sword–at the balancing point (not always in the middle) for quick location by sliding it across the top of the head–can be helpful. If the sword will not balance, twisting the handle might help. Swords come in different weights, so try it before you buy it. If your sword is an old tarnished one, you can find a metal plating company and have it chrome plated at little cost to restore the dangerous shine. Be aware that not all venues will allow swords. A good rule of thumb is to ask first. One good thing about dancing with a sword is that you always have a weapon available for threatening octopus-handed audience members!

Credit: http://www.digital-photo.com.au/gallery/d/29-3/misia-bellydancer-sword-IMG_2173.jpg

“Shimmy from the Heart!” jherico@cox.net – (9/09)