Thread: Practice with swords

I have two swords, one that balances fairly well and another that I just got today that balances very well.

My question is, should I continue to practice with the old sword and keep the new sword for performances only? I am worried that I will tend to over compensate on the new sword and fear that it will fall when I do certain moves, when in reality it will probably remain secure on my head. I don't really want to practice with the new sword for fear that it might drop and risk the sword loosing it's balance.

Any suggestions or words of wisdom?

I can see both sides, but I strongly prefer to balance with the sword I actually dance with.

sorry, barging in to your thread Jasani. Who sells the best balanced, lightest swords (lightest cause it easier?????and doesn't make a line in my head)? You two sound like you know what's up.

Thanks Lauren, that's what I was thinking too. I guess that's why you should get two of the same swords when performing the double sword tricks.

Two places you can get really nice swords, but be prepared to see a giant sink hole in your purse because they can cost just as much as nice Eman costume.

Little John on the East coast, home
and Geoff, who makes Zen Ptah swords in Australia, Zenptah's Swords

They can make swords made from Durilium which I think is a lightweight aluminum alloy. Really pretty because it catches the light and the swords are really light but you can still feel a bit of pressure. I can't have those heavy swords on my head because I'm a wuss when it comes to body pain - except that pain you get from getting a good work out

Thank you so much for the advice, I really appreciate it.

My rule for props is - always practice with the veil/cane/sword you plan to perform with. Especially as the balance point, weight, even slipperiness, differs with each sword, and only a slight difference means you have to compensate in the way you handle it. I used to practice standing on a foam mat, so if I dropped the sword it did less damage to it or the floor. I also got good at the fast grab once it started slipping!

For double sword - I agree that two identical swords are ideal, but if that's not possible, I'm sure you can still do it with practice. I've been experimenting with interesting things to do with two swords, and have found that I can still use two different swords balanced on different places - such as one on head, one on hand/hip/shoulder.

I have two identical Zen Ptah lightweight swords - the lightweight metal really makes a difference when you've got two on your head! They are the plainest swords he offers (no jewel in hilt) and again that's a bonus when stacking both close to each other on your head. He's not very net-savvy and doesn't always have all stock on hand, so not the easiest to buy from if you're overseas, but they are definitely worth it.

what jewel says

you want to dance a bit in the costume you're using AND with your props......the slightest variation can skew the performance

i PERSONALLY find heavier swords balance better, and easier to work with.....finally got a CAS iberia sword i've been coveting and LOVE it's balance and heft.......

I haven't used my old sword since I got my new one 5 or 6 years ago. It's good to keep as a spare or a loaner, but I will never perform with it again.

I love my sword I got from Gitane. It's really heavy, but I like that. Lots of dancers in TX manage to do double sword with them.
http://www.gitanestreasures.com/

I would advise anyone to practice with the sword they are going to use in performance. You can practice over carpet, or outside on the grass, if you fear you will drop the sword and knock it out of balance. YOu can also practice with a head scarf and a little wax on the sword, to aid in your balancing, until you feel very confident. Definitely practice with the one you will use live.

That said, I've also found it helpful to practice with many different kinds of swords. I have had to do impromptu performance with someone else's loaner sword, and was glad to have the experience of testing out different grips, guards, weights, and even bad balance points, etc. Not a bad idea to keep the old one around and pull it out now and again.

A couple of places that have less expensive swords than those already mentioned are Kult Of Athena - swords, axes, maces, flails, and other medieval weapons and Belly Dance Costume & Dancing Supply with Moondance

Both are reputable vendors and the swords they sell (in my experience) are well balanced and pretty good quality.

~Sabine