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Leven Sword
It’s amazing how many people aren’t aware of the Yorkshire Longsword dance tradition
Leven Sword was formed in 2016 to bring longsword dancing back to the Great Ayton and Stokesley area following a gap of 100 years.
We welcome all those who would like to help keep the tradition of longsword dancing going in Great Ayton and the surrounding area. We practice/dance out fortnightly on Monday evenings plus at occasional local events.
Leven Sword at The Tannery with a guest dancer
If you fancy a go at longsword dancing, please phone Caryn on 0777 3048250.
Check out our website for past events and our Facebook page for what we are up to currently.
Leven Sword dancing in Stokesley
History of sword dancing in the area
Cecil Sharp wrote to church clergy around the country in his research of morris dancing traditions in 1912. In reply, Rev. Carus Vane Collier states, in a letter to Cecil Sharp, that sword dancers appeared at Christmas time during his time as a curate in Great Ayton (1895-1899).
Letter written to church clergy around Britain by Cecil Sharp
Later attempts in 1912 and 1917 were instigated by miners from North Skelton who moved to Great Ayton.