Sword dancing was originally practiced in the farming and coal-mining regions of northern England, where the annual visit of the dancers to the village homes was thought to guarantee good luck for the year. In the English Sword Dance Festival, dancers weave ceremonial swords into complex configurations as a part of this ancient winter celebration. Central Park’s Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th St., btwn. Lenox & Fifth Aves. Feb. 13, with two performances btwn. 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. Free, and no pre-registration is required. For more information, call 212-860-1374 .
