In the Sword Dance, how are the swords arranged during the performance?

In the Sword Dance, the swords are arranged crosswise at right angles during the performance. This arrangement is not only important for the visual aesthetic of the dance but also serves functional purposes. The crosswise position represents the traditional elements of this dance, emphasizing the skill and precision required by the dancer to navigate the patterns and movements without touching the swords. This adds a level of difficulty and showcases the dancer’s agility and grace.

The other arrangements, such as parallel alignment, circular formation, or straight line, would not maintain the same level of engagement with the traditional choreography and could compromise the significance of the dance's history and its requirement for the dancer to demonstrate control and flair. Therefore, the crosswise arrangement is integral to both the execution and the cultural importance of the Sword Dance.