Unveiling the Ancient English Folk Dance - Skimmington

Skimmington is a traditional English folk dance that originated in the north of England, particularly in the counties of Durham and Northumberland. The dance is also known as "Skipping-ton" or "Shrove Tuesday".

The dance is performed by a group of dancers, usually dressed in costume, who dance around a figure called the "Skimmington", which is typically a wooden frame decorated with ribbons and streamers. The dancers perform a series of steps and figures, including jumps, twirls, and skips, while the Skimmington is carried around the dance floor.

The origins of the Skimmington are not well documented, but it is believed to have originated as a form of folk dance that was performed in the Middle Ages to celebrate the end of the harvest season. The dance was also associated with Shrove Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.

Today, the Skimmington is still performed in some parts of England, particularly in the north, where it is an important part of local folk traditions. The dance is often performed at festivals and other celebrations, and is seen as a way to preserve an important part of English cultural heritage.