Premier Teams
Premier division represents the highest level of competitive rapper dancing. These teams have spent years developing tight figures, fast stepping, and the kind of sword control that makes difficult moves look easy.
Black Swan Rapper
This will be updated… A flash of red, blue and gold as Black Swan Rapper spin, cut inside and tumble, stretching every sinew and pushing themselves harder, higher and faster, as they strive to get to the bar. They shun the limelight, preferring to hone their skills purely for the pleasure of the dance and the feel of the swords in their hands. Black Swan claim to be the most traditional team in rapper dance due to ancestral connections to both the first Kingsmen and the Tyzack family. Look out for their trademark loose sashes and untucked shirts as they attempt some of the most challenging figures in sword dance using the rapper purists’ fixed handle swords. Please encourage them in the traditional manner, throw underwear at them, or even applaud the youthful exuberance that moves audiences to cry ‘You get your money’s worth with this lot.’
Sheffield Steel
Sheffield’s finest daughters present a taste of northern grit. Dynamic dancing, powerful music and steely determination drive them forward (not to mention gin). Inspired by the Steel City’s industrial heritage, and with Henderson’s Relish running through their veins, they show off Sheffield in every move they make. Pure joy in a flurry of orange and black.
Silver Flame
Silver Flame are a fast spinning, boot shuffling, gin guzzling, all girl rapper team, who come from all corners of England to practice and perform.
Star and Shadow
Rapper dancing sensation Star and Shadow Rapper will be coming to dazzle you with their precision and grace in their anniversary dance ’10’, whilst also entertaining you with their rapid wit! Gin! Swirly skirts! Gin! Over 10 years in the making and performing for your entertainment! Gin!
Tower Ravens
Tower Ravens are London’s premier rapper sword dance team. Named after the feathered guardians of the Tower of London, and accompanied by a brazen Beefeater. Displaying acrobatic prowess and nerves of steel, they’re held together by a love of sword dancing and liquid refreshment.
Whip the Cat
We are Whip the Cat Rapper and Clog, a team of female dancers with male and female musicians and Tommies from Nottingham. Formed 20 years ago we have built ourselves up to a premier level rapper team with around 30 members ranging from the ages of 20 to 63. Our dance experience is also wide ranging and we are very proud to be such a diverse, inclusive and thriving team.