DERT 2016: Traditional ‘rapper’ dance festival at Manchester venues

The annual Dancing England Rapper Tournament (DERT ) is based on competitions held in the rapper heartland of the North East of England. The dance was performed around the pubs and bars of mining towns and at competitions during the 19th and 20th Centuries. It looks like this: five dancers are linked together by short, flexible strips of metal called ‘rappers’. They then perform a series of intricate and complex figures, usually to a jig time. On 12 March, teams will tour select pubs in Manchester, showcasing their dancing skills, athleticism and drinking abilities in front of expert judge panels. Starting at The Gaslamp, the dancing fun will continue at the Ape & Apple, The Old Monkey, The Font, then Lass O’Gowrie. The evening’s showcase is at the Ritz, with dance displays from every team, culminating with the all-important awards ceremony. Rapper dancing is a tradition steeped in northern history – pop into the Working Class Movement Library on Wednesday 2 March at 2pm for a free talk on the subject.

Talk: Wed 2 Mar, Working Class Movement Library, 51 Crescent, Salford M5 4WX
Tel: 0161 736 360, 12-3pm, FREE, including light refreshments, www.wcml.org.uk

DERT 2016, Sat 12 Mar, various venues, times & prices, www.dert2016.co.uk