So you read these historical accounts of 'sword dances'. I remember when reading years ago through the records of the grand historian, during the warring states period you would periodically read of people performing sword dances, for what ever reasons. i would assume that generally a sword dance is just a compilation of what ever that man knew in regards to sword fighting, and put it to a choreographed dance.

do any of you think that these dances are the roots to the 'idea' of forms?

this isnt a bout mma vs cma, or forms vs no forms, but more about where the idea of forms in general.