The twentieth-century competitions are examined and their influence on the dance is considered, from EFDSS competitions which favoured simple over 'fancy' dances, to the establishment of the
Dancing England Rapper Tournament in the 1980s, which created a new dancing standard and became a forum for the interchange of ideas.
The
Dancing England Rapper Tournament, or DERT, was held in Burton-upon-Trent and teams came from as far away as America to compete.
Twenty five teams from every corner of the country - and one from the US - will compete for the Dancing England Rapper Tournament (DERT 09), an annual sword dancing championship that celebrates centuries of mining tradition, folklore and community culture.
When that folded in the 1980s the Dancing England Rapper Tournament (DERT) took its place.
Sword dancers the Valknut Rappers claimed the prize for performing in the most unusual venue at a
Dancing England Rapper Tournament.
According to Phil the leading exponents in the region are the Sallyport Sword Dancers, the Newcastle Kingsmen, the Monkseaton Morris Men and Star and Shadow and they join teams from as far afield as the US, Canada and Australia at the annual
Dancing England Rapper Tournament (Dert).