National Traditional English Sword Dancing Competition Comes to Alexandria

(Washington, DC) October 15, 2019 — The 10th annual Dancing America Rapper Tournament will take place in Old Town, Alexandria on October 26, bringing dazzling English rapper dance teams from around the country to local pubs to compete in the national championship.

Rapper dancing is a fast-paced folk tradition from northern England in which groups of five dancers holding steel swords weave intricate patterns while doing percussive footwork to live music. In the tournament, each team performs a signature dance. Dancers are judged based on their precision, coordination, musicality, and the inventiveness of their choreography.

This year’s competition is hosted by the DC-based rapper team, Sligo Creek Sword. Participating teams include Bubble Rapper, Cutting Edge, Dapper Rapper, Justice League, Pocket Flyers, and Rapxcaliber. This event is open to the public, family-friendly, and admission is free.

WHO: English rapper dance teams from all over the US
WHAT: A high-energy dance competition
WHERE: Old Town Alexandria at the following pubs:
Light Horse, 715 King St. Alexandria, VA
Columbia Firehouse, 109 S St Asaph St. Alexandria, VA
Bilbo Baggins Restaurant, 208 Queen St., Alexandria, VA

WHEN: Saturday, October 26th at 1pm – 4:30pm

Following the competition, there will be more rapper performances and a celebratory ceilidh dance at 7pm at the Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA. English ceilidh dancing is a high-energy, raucous and easy-to-learn form of social dancing. Frog Hammer, the region’s only English ceilidh rock band, and caller/teacher Caroline Barnes will quickly get even two-left-footed participants on to the dance floor. $15 cover for the evening performance and dance.

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