Mailed.

I've just had a conversation with an agent of mine who ordered some reproduction pirate swords from the US. They where seized by customs and he had to write a letter stating that they where a performance prop. They did actually release them and this was for performance purposes not Historical reenactment so that's worth a go if you've order swords from abroad.

Hi ladies,

This is an email i sent incase anyone needs inspiration / help getting an email out the door faster.

++++

For the attention of Jonathon Batt,

Thank you for agreeing to be the contact reference for:
->receiving "requests to observe and recognise sword bellydancers for inclusion of exemption in the VCR bill",

Appended below is the info currently in circulation to inform us of our recently illegalised historical art form, but perhaps further info is required, as a hunt on the internet seems to imply that it is only Sumarai styled swords or is it all swords?

Referenced: nds.coi.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp

--> Upon confirmation, I can ensure that the necessary education is reflected on social networking sites / correspondences.

This news is creating a large out-cry in the Dance Community. I would appreciate it if you could file my emails with the others that you will receive for preperation in presenting this to your superiors / decision revisement board.

Best respects and repeated thanks for being point of contact,
Nicola Harding, Brighton UK

"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"

I got the email below in reply to mine.

Dear Ms Wood



Thank you for your recent email regarding the ban on swords with a curved blade of over 50 centimetres and the effect of this on belly dancing.



The Government has now banned the sale, hire, manufacture and import of samurai swords, through a ban on all swords with a curved blade of 50cm or over in length, due to their use in violent crime. The ban came into force on 6 April 2008 having received Parliamentary approval following debates in the Commons and the Lords which unanimously supported the ban. It is important to note that legislation already exists that bans the possession of these weapons in a public place, and that it will be permissible for those who already own swords which fit the definition to retain ownership.



As you may be aware the ban follows on from a Government consultation paper published on 5 March 2007 which detailed proposals to ban samurai swords and gave a 12-week window for people to let us have their views. The closing date for the consultation was 28 May 2007.



In terms of the ban going too wide in picking up all curved swords, the Government thinks this is proportionate in order to ensure that we have a definition that is enforceable and which has a real impact in terms of reducing the availability of items that have and can be used in violent crime. The proposed ban is about protecting people and communities and it is important to have a definition that minimises the need for subjective interpretation.



In banning such swords, the Government has sought to safeguard legitimate use by including defences in the Offensive Weapons Order for collectors of genuine Japanese swords, for those who partake in historical re-enactments and for swords used by martial arts enthusiasts. Regarding adding extra defences for groups such as belly dancers who consider their legitimate use of curved swords has been unfairly targeted by the definition, there is a risk that by creating too many defences it makes any ban unenforceable by police, customs and the courts. However, we will, of course, listen to and consider representations from such groups.



Please find the link below to the summary of responses paper and subsequent Order laid before Parliament.



www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documen...weapons/





www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/...0973_en.pdf





We do not propose, at present, to add any other articles to the Offensive Weapons Order, although policy on offensive weapons is constantly kept under review.



Regards

Jonathan Batt
Public Order and Offensives Weapons section
Public Order Unit

020 7035 1807

Well, this is good to know...which means I won't be teaching any sword workshops in the UK and I can't bring my own!! I'll have to tell Piper, she's coming to teach a workshop in September...I think.