Thread: My Very First Sword Solo!!

I'm so excited,
I’m performing at my school fete and a big festival in my city in a few weeks. I’ve made up half my dance – its to the reggaeton song; Dale Don Dale by Don Omar.

I found that my sword sometimes slips off if I have my normal side part in my hair.
Does anyone else find this?
I have to put the part down the middle and it works much better.

I may need some tips or cool moves because I’m running out of ideas. Many thanks.
from chloe
teentahini

have you thought about cutting a series of tiny nicks into the balance point? this could help with slippage or you could wear a scarf made of grippy fabric (no shiny slippery stuff) thats all I can offer as I don't do sword even though i have bought one but thats another fantasy.

I also found that if I pull my hair back in a pony tail the sword slips side to side more. I think the center part may leave a little more of scalp for the sword to touch, instead of slippery hair. Also maybe that the hair is sort of going the same way the sword sits.

Dirty vs clean hair also makes a difference.

No expert here, so the guru's can correct me if I have it wrong.

Originally Posted by TeenTahini

I found that my sword sometimes slips off if I have my normal side part in my hair.
Does anyone else find this?
I have to put the part down the middle and it works much better.

You can also put lots of hairspray on your hair to make it less slippery. You can put some beeswax on the balance point of the sword, or glue a small strip of sandpaper there. Or "paint" the balance point with clear nail polish and drop sand into it while the polish is still wet. These tricks help the sword grip your head better. And no, I don't think they are "cheats."

Originally Posted by resullivan

I also found that if I pull my hair back in a pony tail the sword slips side to side more. I think the center part may leave a little more of scalp for the sword to touch, instead of slippery hair. Also maybe that the hair is sort of going the same way the sword sits.

For me, my sword stays put better if I have my hair pulled back. When my hair is down, I think the hair slips over itself easier and dislodges the sword. Since I like having my hair down, I'll pull only the very top part of my hair back and leave the rest loose.

Completely unrelated to the balancing part of the sword routine... at any time when you are holding the sword up, presenting it, etc, remember not to let your fingers wrap around the "blade" part of the sword. It spoils the effect, and it's easy to do if you're not thinking about it.

thanks for all these tips theyre fantastic!

theres no sand where i live, but that hint made me think! ... so i went and bought a nail file (one not so rough), and put a little wax on it from an old candle, and it stays AMAZINGLY!
I think I might be a genius. ahah. :)

If you need a little more hold, use surf board wax instead of candle wax. It is sticky but actually easier to clean off your sword! I just had my first sword solo this past Saturday. Good Luck!

Originally Posted by bethsoren

If you need a little more hold, use surf board wax instead of candle wax. It is sticky but actually easier to clean off your sword! I just had my first sword solo this past Saturday. Good Luck!

Surfboard wax (aka: sex wax). If you can't find near where you live - can order it online. Candle wax does uckey things to your hair - as melts when warm.
PLEASE do not notch your sword (tends to be the mark of an inexperienced novice) No foul intended to the person who recommended doing it - as it can help. Just not a professional approach...