Head Ache

topic posted Sun, April 6, 2008 - 10:04 AM by 
I have been working on a double sword routine. My problem is my head hurts like hell after. I have started to only balance them on my head for a short while during the music. I was originally having them on longer during the choreo, but realized the longer I had them on the more my head hurt after.

I am dancing with a balady scimitar and moorish scimitar. They are both between 2-3 lbs.

This is the first time I have done double sword so is this normal and if so will the head aches stop the more I do it? In other words, is my head just not used to the heavier weight?
posted by:
  • Re: Head Ache

    Mon, April 7, 2008 - 9:39 AM
    Can you post a bit more information? Is the weight on the crown of your head, or in the neck? Do you use any sort of pad (turban, headscarf, headband) for your swords when you balance them? Are there any burrs or bumps on the part of the sword you balance? I'm asking this because there could be many reasons for a sword headache, such as weak neck muscles, sensitive scalp, or problems with the sword.
    • Re: Head Ache

      Mon, April 7, 2008 - 9:40 AM
      D'oh. I meant pain not weight. Of course the weight's on the balance point!
      • Re: Head Ache

        Mon, April 7, 2008 - 11:02 AM
        I have Moorish swords, too, and I know they are really heavy and have a wide blade, which makes for an ouchie head. Double blades on the head in one spot will hurt, yes. If you are not wearing any headwrap, it will also break off lots of little hairs until you have something like a buzz-cut on top.
        Can you wear a headband or a light head wrap? That will help. You can also make your hair into braids or tie it back to make a pad of hair on top. Second, you can keep the swords in place for a short while during the dance, then move them. Try one on balance and manipulate the other sword, or balance on on the head and one on the palm, for instance. Know that when you practice, you usually have the sword on much longer than you will when you actually perform, so you probably get sore. You may choose to wear a wrap for most of the time while you practice.
        Your head gets somewhat used to it, after a time, yes, you may get a sort of callous. And you will probably develop a little divet in your head.
        One more thing about the Moorish--it's meant to be a two-handed sword, so be careful not to torque your wrist trying toone-hand it. you might try balancing the Moorish first (two-handed), while the baladi sword is on the floor or on a nearby table, or with a troupemate. Then dance a little and then retrieve the second sword. The baladi can be manipulated one-handed with ease.
        And hey, if you are not ready to dance with both swords at your performance, just use one until you can get very confident. One sword done very well is better than two done not-so-well.

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