The swept-hilt rapier is actually much longer in the blade, but I found a great locksmith nearby who cut them down to a better size. With all the ornamentation around the handle, it was still quite heavy, but the dancers developed very strong arms. At least on one side.

I pictured the queens as the power behind the throne. They defer to the kings who are presumably the leaders, but steer the actions of those around them in other ways.