This posting comes from the "Makeupand Hair for Dancers" tribe, posted by Denise P, and since we have sword dancers in TNT, I wanted to post this here as an FYI. Don't know if there's anything we can do as Americans, but it's still worth the read:

"Hello all.

Please support you sisters in the UK. We are now banned from purchasing dance swords.

Sad news I'm afraid. I have just spoken to Jonathan Batt, at the home office who has confirmed that we (belly and tribal dancers in the UK) are covered in the VCR (Violent Crimes Reduction Bill). As Belly dancers, we are not covered in the exemptions of being classed as a 'sporting activity' or a Historical reenactment. While we can perform with our existing swords, if you have public liability insurance, you can no longer purchase a new blade.

This is scary thought, as if we are not included in the exclusions to the ban, the art form of sword dancing will ultimately die out in the UK! My sword was broken recently in a workshop when it was dropped. I now can't get a new one....

The only way we can get this changed for all belly dancers is to contact the home office and request that as a dance form that we are allowed to continue to be allowed to purchase swords, so that we can continue with a beautiful art form.

Please, Please take the time to contact Jonathan and request that he put forward to the Home Office that bellydancers and tribal dancers are made exempt from the VCR Bill. He is a nice guy and has agreed to be the contact point for this query. It will take a huge volume of dancers contacting him to make a difference, so please take the time to write to him.

His contact details are <Jonathan.Batt@Homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk >

Also if you are a member of a tribe, where this is not mentioned, can you please post information there.

Ta
Denise"