Sword dancers mark folklore pioneer's anniversary: VIDEO

PROUD sword dancers performed a traditional South Yorkshire routine before setting off to Sheffield to mark an important centenary.

Cecil Sharp, known as the founding father of the 20 century folklore revival, collected and published the details of dances and songs.

One hundred years ago he stayed at the rectory in Hooton Roberts before travelling by horse and trap to discover the Grenoside dance.

Members of the Grenoside Sword Dancers group performed at the Earl of Strafford pub in Hooton Roberts to mark the 100th anniversary.

They talked about the historical significance of the dance, and how it became part of Sharp’s book Sword Dances of Northern England, Volume One.

Youngsters from the village were also able to try their hand at the dance, which includes a mock beheading of one member.

Afterwards, the group travelled to Grenoside—as Sharp had a century before—to celebrate the tradition at Hill Top Farm in the village.

READ MORE