Ryknild Rabble are based in Lichfield which is in the county of Staffordshire, England.
The side started in 1988 as Ryknild Rapper but in 1990 became
the Rabble with the addition of Border and Clog dancing. More recently Long Sword
dancing has also been introduced.
Ryknild Rabble have appeared at festivals and events all over the
country including the Sidmouth International festival, Towersey Weekend festival,
the two recent International Sword Gatherings, rapper tournaments, numerous folk
festivals and weekends of dance.
Consisting of men, women and children of all ages the Rabble are an
enthusiastic and fun side who give an entertaining and varied display of dance.
See below for more details on the specific topics
Border Morris
Rapper Sword
Long Sword
Clog Stepping
Musicians
Join Us ?
Contacts
Border Morris originates from the Welsh border counties of Herefordshire,
Worcestershire and Shropshire where records of sides go back to the 18th century.
It is thought that dances were performed during the winter months
to collect money for food and drink by out of work labourers, who would dress in
rags and blacken their faces to avoid being recognised.
Sticks would clash whilst the noisy dancers leaped around in a
form of organised bedlam.
Ryknild Rabble can be seen in their rag tatter jackets, black breeches,
yellow socks and individually decorated top hats.
Rapper Sword dance originated in the North East of England about 150 years ago,
and probably evolved from the more ancient Long Sword dance.
The double handled rapper swords are believed to have been used
to clean the pit ponies after a day in the mines.
The dances, performed with 5 people each linked with a rapper
sword, involve rapid complex weaving patterns and intricate footwork
Ryknild Rapper side wear white shirts, red cummerbunds, black
breeches and yellow socks.
English Long Sword dance is thought to pre-date Rapper Sword by several hundred years
and variations on this style of dance can be found all over Europe.
The single handled swords are typically 36-46 inches in length and
unlike the rapper sword do not need to be made from spring steel as they are generally
not bent or twisted during the dances.
The traditional dances are mainly from Yorkshire and are usually
performed quite slowly (a quickish walk) with each of the six members of the team performing
the same manoeuver in sequence before starting a new figure until the dance is complete.
It is said that the women factory workers of the Lancashire cotton mills,
whilst tapping out the rhythms of their looms, evolved this style of dance
using complex patterns with the sole, heel and toe.
The wooden clogs with leather uppers were originally worn
by the miners of Durham and Newcastle where many of the clog steps
danced today originate.
All the dancing is performed to music and the Rabble have a band
consisting of dancing and non-dancing members of all abilities.
The Musicians play a variety of traditional (acoustic) instruments
to accompany the different dance styles. For clog steppping and rapper/long sword there
is usually only one or two musicians whilst the border dances require the full
complement.
If you would like to have a go at any of the dances or join in with the music,
and live in the Lichfield area, Ryknild Rabble are always pleased to welcome
new dancers and musicians.
Experience is not necessary although a sense of rythm (and
humor) is an advantage.
Please feel free to contact any of the team members whose
name, phone number or e-mail address appear below.
If you prefer to have a look at what this is all about first,
Ryknild Rabble can been seen out and about around the Lichfield area and at
many of the major National Folk
Festivals.
Have a chat with any of the team members, they will all be more than
willing to discuss any aspects of the sides activities or answer any questions you
may have.
See the bookings page for details.
During the months of September to May, the Rabble practise
on Sunday mornings (starting at 10:30 a.m.) in the Village Hall at Kings Bromley
before retiring to the William IV public house in Alrewas to recover.
Practice for the 2005/2006 season commences on 4 September 2005
Come along, you will be made very welcome
Apart from dancing, Ryknild Rabble have been involved in many other
different types of events. These have included Mystery Plays, as part of the Lichfield
Mystery Cycle, mumming plays and workshops where they teach the traditional English dances.
See there's lots of things to get involved with.
If you are not in the Lichfield area but are still interested,
there are many sides of all persuasions across the country and there will be
one near you.
Please follows the links
SQUIRE: Peter Diffey 01283 537609
pdkaosS@btopenworld.com
SECRETARY: Chris Leat 0115 9731519
chris@risa.demon.co.uk
MUSICIAN: Jane Hinks
jehinks@hotmail.com
PUBLICITY: Geoff Johnson 0121 3607468
Funds.rws@hotmail.com
E MAIL:
rabble@risa.demon.co.uk
Pages maintained by Chris Leat
chris@risa.demon.co.uk
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Last updated on 24/02/2008