The High Spen Rapper Sword Dance
The High Spen dance is a highly developed example of a style of traditional dance originating in the coalfields of Northumberland and Durham (UK)
The dance is performed by five men often accompanied by a 'Tommy' (leader), a man dressed as a woman traditionaly called 'Betty' and one or two musicians.
The unique feature of the rapper dance is the way in which the dancers are linked by five flexible short, sprung-steel 'rapper' swords. Each sword has one fixed end and one swivel handle which the dancers weave into complicated patterns and fiqures. The dancers must never let go of the swords except to display the 'star', usually at the end of the dance.
The dance is from the village of High Spen in Co. Durham (now Gateshead)
Celebrating 100 years of the High Spen Blue Diamonds
This year (2026) is the one hundreth anniversary of the High Spen Blue Diamonds.
To help celebrate this event we will be hosting a special anniversary rapper dance competion in the Band Hall at Beamish Open Air Museum of May 23rd.
High Spen Blue Diamonds
The earliest known image of the High Spen Blue Diamonds taken in 1927.
Fred Forster
Fred was instrumental in starting the team back in 1926.
Freddy Forster
Freddy was Fred Forster's son and kept the team going through the 1950' 60's and 70's
Ricky Forster
Ricky is the grandson of Fred Forster and is currently in charge of the team
Gary Forster
Gary is Fred Forster's great grandson and is often called upon to play the part of 'Tommy' whan dancing out
The Team Today
High Spen Blue Diamonds at Whitby Festival in 2016.
Gallery
Feel free to browse through our gallery images below.
High Spen Rothbury 2000.
Dancing at Rothbury Festival year 2000.
High Spen Whitby 1992.
Photo by Bert Wilson.
High Spen Sidmouth 1988.
Richard Preece, George Wallace, Ian Craigs, Steve Pierson and Bob Wilson
High Spen Publicity Photo 1990.
Back Row: Gordon Forster, Keith Hancill, Richard Preece, Ian Craigs, George Wallace, Bob Wilson, Chris Metherel, Phil Stevenson, Steve Peirson. Front Row: Colin Forster, Gary Forster, Ricky Forster.
Schedule
Please find the schedule for High Spen events below.