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Past Dance Practices

click on the name of the dance for notes on the steps

 

Birkdale

 

City

    June 5 -  Anello, discussion of recontsruction of Pizochara,  introduction to contrapassi (practice contrapassi to Rostiboli music), Prisionera, Barcellonne, La Danse de Cleves
May 29 - Prenes on gre

Intro to 15thC French Basse - structure of dances and measures, steps and ornament - Barcellonne, La Danse de Cleves

15th Italian Bassadanza - Alesandresca

  May 22 - rehearsal for Waikato Winter Show

- Il Conto del Orco

- La Castellana

- Gioioso in tre

- Simple branle

May 17 - rehearsal for Royal Visit Feast (St. George's, not Birkdale)

- Pizochara, Colonesse

  May 8 - cancelled (May Crown)

rehearsed for Royal Visit on the Tuesday instead, in Birkdale - Pizochara, Colonesse

May 1   April 24
April 17 - Caterva (Alex, Nadia, Katherine only)

Pizochara, Colonesse, Rostiboli Gioioso,

Il Conto del Orco, La Castellana

  April 10 - Rostiboli Gioioso, Pizochara, Colonesse

(first practice for Royal Visit Feast)

April 3 - Anello, Rostiboli Gioioso,

Il Conto del Orco, La Castellana,

Alba Novella (Alex and Katherine only)

  March 27 - Intro to 15thC Italian balli, steps/style/theory; Anello, Rostiboli Gioioso,

Il Conto del Orco

March 20 - Il Conto del Orco, then abandoned practise in favour of tea   March 13 Angela ran practice
March 6 - Angela ran practice   February 28 Angela ran practice

Old Measures: Quadran Pavan -Lorayne

Il Conto del Orco

Branles: Washerwomen, Horses, Hey, Scots

February 21 - Angela ran practice

Il Conto del orco, La Castellana, Washerwomen's branle, Horses Branle, Hay Branle, Rustica Amorosa

  February 14 - Angela  ran practice

Ballo del Fiore, Il Conto del Orco, Gracca Amorosa, Horses Branle, Washerwomen's branle, Montarde Branle

February 7 - Angela ran practice   [January 31 - cancelled for Canterbury Faire]
January 24 - practice for demonstration at Taupo Joust, and for Canterbury Fair Ball - Lorrayne Alman, Madam Cecilia's Pavin, Galliard, some branles, La Castellana, Simple branle, Trihory, Lybens Distonys, Rostiboli Gioioso    

January 10, 08

I missed most of the class. La Castellana, Turkeyloney, Contentezza d'Amore (demonstration only)

 

 

January 3, 08

The Old Measures, La Castellana, Alba Novella (another 16thC Italian dance, not yet on my website)

 

Dec 27, 07

Can't remember - I think we did Pungente Dardo, La Castellana, and some galliards

 

 

December 20, 07

The Old Measures (late 16th-late 17th C England)- all of them - I didn't take notes on the rest

Quadran Pavin, Turkeyloney, Earl of Essex Measure, Tinternell, Lorraine Almain, Old Alman, Brunswick, Queen's Alman, New Alman, Madam Cecilia's Pavin, Black Alman

 

December 13, 07

All the Old Measures, Galliard, Contrapasso Nuovo (16thC Italian, not yet on website), La Castellana

 

 

December 6th, 07

La Caccia - part one late 16thC Italy, Negri The first part, before the games start.
Galliards Europe, 16thC new variations:

Caroso: cinquepasso with sottopiede

Santucci: passo involta + passo incrociato

Old Measures late 16th-late 17thC England All of them. One after the other, in order. I really want better music for some of these!

[Nov 29th - cancelled - St Catherine's Fair]

 

  November 22, 07 - practice for Silver Rondel test at St Catherine's Fair
Prenes on Gre England, c 1500 (Gresley MS) For one couple. Lots of spinning.
Alesandresca late 15thC Italy A stately bassadanza for two by Guglielmo
Alenchon late 15thC France/Burgundy A regular French Basse Danse
Lorrayne Alman late 16th C England One of the Old Measures, "full of state and ancientry". This one has casting.
Black Almain late 16th - late 17thC England The last and most complicated of the "Old Measures".
Madam Cecilia's Pavin late 16th - late 17thC England Another Old Measure. This is the huggy-kissy one.
Quadran Pavin late 16th - late 17thC England The first and easiest of the Old Measures.
Ballo del Fiore late 16thC Italy The flower dance. This is the version for one couple at a time, from Caroso's Il Ballarino (1580).
Galliard practice Europe, 16thC showy, kicky, energetic, FUN!

November 15th, 07 - not sure - order may be wrong

Madam Cecilia's Pavin late 16th - late 17thC England Called an Almain in some MSS, a Pavin in others.
The Black Almain late 16th - late 17thC England The last and most complicated of the Old Measures
Mixed Branles late 16th C France, Arbeau Cassandra, Pinagay, Charlotte, La Guerre, Aridan
La Caccia d'Amore late 16th C Italy, Negri Al last - the whole dance!
Contrapasso Nuovo c1580, Caroso circle dance, for 6
Alesandresca late 15thC Italy bassadanza for two by Guglielmo
Prenes on gre c1500, England from the Gresley MS; lots of spinning

 

 

[November 8 - cancelled]

 

November 1st, 07 - I don't remember: sorry!

 

 

October 25, 07

Rostiboli Gioioso late 15thC Italy A ballo for one couple. It begins with stately bassadanza, then saltarello, then a last little spat in piva.
Galliard Europe, 16thC This dance was based on the galliard section in Caroso's dance "Forza d'Amore" (1600). I chose these steps because they're pretty, but easy on the knees.
Alesandresca late 15thC Italy A stately bassadanza for two by Guglielmo

October 18th, 07

Practice for Silver Rondel test (for Bridget, William,Helen): dances chosen are in red.

Pavanes: Quadran Pavane

Madam Cecilia's Pavin

late 16th - late 17thC England Two of the Old Measures. Madam Cecilia's is called a Pavan in some sources, an Almain in others.
Almains: Lorraine Almain

Queen's Almain

Black Almain

late 16th - late 17thC England

 

Another three Old Measures. The Black Almain is the most complicated, and seems to be the newest (as it doesn't appear in the earliest MS)
Branles: Mixed Branles of Champagne late 16th C France, Arbeau Cassandra, Pinagay, Charlotte, La Guerre, Aridan
Bassadanza: Alesandresca late 15thC Italy  
Country Dance: Eglamour Eglamour - Gresley MS, England, c1500

Gathering Peascods - Playford's 'English Dancing Master', later 17thC England (I don't remember which edition)

Chosen dance was Gathering Peascods,  which we didn't practice; Eglamour is a back-up
Galliard: variations from Forza d'Amore, and elsewhere 16th C, Europe Practiced a small choreography (by Katherine) based on the galliard variations in the dance Forza d'Amore (Caroso, 1600)
Ballo del Fiore late 16thC Italy The Flower dance. We've been doing the version for one couple at a time from Il Ballarino (1581)
     

 

 

10th of October, 07

Rostiboli Gioioso late 15thC Italy A ballo for one couple. It begins with stately bassadanza, then saltarello, then a last little spat in piva.
Gioioso in tre late 15thC Italy

 

A version of Rostiboli Gioioso for three people. The steps are (almost) the same, but the floor-pattern is different.
Amoroso late 15thC Italy

 

A "Ballo Francese" for two people. It's entirely in piva misura (though the music I have is quite slow - more like quadernaria).
 [several cancelled practices]  

[one cancelled practice]

   

12th of September, 07

Galliard / Gagliarda 16thC Europe, these variations from Caroso, Nobilta di Dame, 1600 Some pretty variation from galliard-sections in Caroso's dances, specially selected to be easy on the knees. The main part of the one we did is from the dance Forza d'Amore.
La Caccia d'Amore late 16thC  Italy; Negri, 1602 At the collegium we did the "chase game" and the "wheel game". This time we did the first part - dancing alone with your partner - and looked at the second part - dancing with everyone else.
Mixed Branles of Champagne late 16thC France (Arbeau, 1589) Cassandra, Pinagay, Charlotte, La Guerre, Aridan.

September 6th, 07

Anello late 15thC Italy

 

"The Ring" - a ballo for four.

Men movimento, women movimenti, men do something . . . repeat

Eglamour England c. 1500, Gresley MS

 

Follow-my-leader dance for three. The only steps are doubles.
Gioioso in tre late 15thC Italy

 

Giovanni Ambrosio's adaptation of Rostiboli Gioioso for three people.
Rostiboli Gioioso late 15thC Italy, Guglielmo Three-part ballo by Guglielmo. One of the most popular 15thC Italian balli, then and now. Name means "Happy roasted and Boiled [meats]", more or less.
Lauro late 15thC Italy Bassadanza for a couple, attributed to Lorenzo de Medici
Alesandresca late 15thC Italy A lovely, stately bassadanza by Guglielmo
Lybens distonys England c. 1500, Gresley MS

 

For a couple. This time we did the longer version (part slowly, come together quickly, then change places) not the 'diamond dance' version.
 

29th of  August, 07

Combined with AUMG meeting, to rehearse dances before the Frostbane Festival

Mixed Branles of Champagne late 16thC France (Arbeau, 1589) Cassandra, Pinagay, Charlotte, La Guerre, Aridan. Circle dances for many people, containing doubles, simples, and kicks. The first two are simple, the rest more difficult.
Black Almain late 16th - late 17thC England The last of the "Old Measures", a set of stately dances used to begin English Revels for a century.
Prenes on Gre England, c 1500 (Gresley MS) For one couple. Lots of spinning.
Gelosia late 15thC Italy For three couples. The fickle men dance with all the women in turn.
Rostiboli Gioioso late 15thC Italy A ballo for one couple. It begins with stately bassadanza, then saltarello, then a last little spat in piva.
Petit Riense late 15thC Italy A follow-my-leader dance for three. Entirely in piva-misura, very lively.

August 23rd, 07

Anello late 15thC Italy

 

"The Ring" - a ballo for four.

Men movimento, women movimenti, men do something . . . repeat

Gioioso in tre late 15thC Italy

 

Giovanni Ambrosio's adaptation of Rostiboli Gioioso for three people. Alex and I did Rostiboli for two at the same time.
Mercantia late 15thC Italy

 

"The working girl". Three men dance in turn with one woman (usually three women and one man at our practices).
Belfiore late 15thC Italy

 

A follow-my-leader dance for three.  Ends with the "figure 6".
Mixed Branles of Champagne late 16thC France (Arbeau) Cassandra, Pinagay, Charlotte, La Guerre, Aridan. Circle dances with only doubles, singles and kicks. Cassandra is very simple, Pinagay a little trickier, and the last three quite complicated.
Scots Branles late 16thC France (Arbeau) Branles with cross-kicks, in imitation of Scottish dancing
Alesandresca late 15thC Italy A lovely, stately bassadanza by Guglielmo
 

15th of August, 07

Dance Name Origin Description
Branles:    Double, Simple, Gai, Burgundian 16thC France, described in by Arbeau in "Orchesography" (1589) These four branles are used at the beginning of French Balls.
Galliard Europe, 16thC Practice cinquepasso (five-step, sinkapace):

Kick, kick, kick, kick, jump, land

Almans: Lorrayne Alman late 16th C England The next four are Old Measures, "full of state and ancientry". This one has casting.
Queen's Alman late 16th - late 17th C England This one has 'face partner, set and turn'.
Earl of Essex Measure late 16th - late 17th C England This one has 'double forward, single back'
Black Alman late 16th - late 17th C England The most complicated of the Old Measures.
Branles: Scots Branles 16thC France, described in by Arbeau in "Orchesography" (1589) The first two branles in suit in imitation of Scottish dancing. Arbeau says they were popular around 1560.
Trihory, or the branle of Brittany 16thC France, described in by Arbeau in "Orchesography" (1589) "Swish swish kick"
Galliards: some new variations, these from Italy late 16thC Italy Riverenza  (2 tempi / log enough to do two cinquepassi)

Two continenze (small steps to left and right, 1 tempo each)

Two Trabuchetti (small jumps to left and right; do two in one tempo)

Mollinello (the usual set of kicks, but spining to left, then to right; "the little mill")

Scorsi (lots of tiny steps in one tempo; do several in a row, moving in a circle, or figure eight, or S shape)

August 8th, 07

Anello late 15thC Italy

 

"The Ring" - a ballo for four.

Men movimento, women movimenti, men do something . . . repeat

Mercantia late 15thC Italy

 

"The working girl". Three men dance in turn with one woman (usually three women and one man at our practices).
Eglamour England c. 1500, Gresley MS

 

Follow-my-leader dance for three. The only steps are doubles.
Lybens distonys England c. 1500, Gresley MS

 

For a couple. This time we did the longer version (part slowly, come together quickly, then change places) not the 'diamond dance' version.
Belfiore late 15thC Italy

 

Another follow-my-leader dance for three. There are a few timing changes and several steps in this one. It ends with the "figure 6".
Gioioso in tre late 15thC Italy

 

Giovanni Ambrosio's adaptation of Rostiboli Gioioso for three people.
Prenes on gre England c. 1500, Gresley MS

 

For a couple. Six steps and pause, lots of spinning.

 

 

1st of August, 07

Dance Name Origin Description

Branles

   
Double Branle 16thC France, described in by Arbeau in "Orchesography" (1589)

 

These four branles are used at the beginning of French Balls.

This one: double left and right.

Simple Branle 16thC France, Arbeau Double left, simple right.
Gai Branle 16thC France, Arbeau The kicky one! This one and the next are very lively.
Burgundian Branle 16thC France, Arbeau Doubles with a kick at the end.
Branles d'Escosse (Scots Branles) 16thC France, Arbeau Mixed branles (containing doubles, singles, and kicks); steps end in a cross-kick, to imitate Scottish dancing.
Trihory, or the Branle of Brittany

 

16thC France, Arbeau

 

"Swish-swish-kick". A very silly branle!

 

Almans

   
The Queen's Alman late 16th - late 17th C England The next three are Old Measures, "full of state and ancientry".
The Lorraine Alman late 16th - late 17th C England This one is a little more lively.
The Earl of Essex' Measure late 16th - late 17th C England Remember that the singles to the side are quite slow.

Other stuff

   
Galliards Most of Europe, 16th C, and early 17th kick-kick-kick-kick-jump-land

Very showy and athletic. No notes yet, I'm afraid.

Trihory, again    
Chiara Stella (not taught) late 16thC Italy from Caroso's "Il Ballarino" (1581) A cascarda - a fast circle-dance for a couple; just a demonstration for tonight.

[here I introduced another weekly practice, in the city; at first the material was independant; after a few months, I combined them, as most people were coming to both classes]

July 26th, 07

Gelosia (Jealousy) late 15thC Italy Ballo for three couples. The fickle men keep leaving their partners (hence the name).
Eglamour England c. 1500, Gresley MS Follow-my-leader dance for three. The only steps are doubles.
Colonnese late 15thC Italy Ballo for three couples. Each couple does something different. Lots of weaving.
Prenes on gre England c. 1500, Gresley MS For a couple. Lots of spinning, and flowrdelice.
Lybens Distonys England c. 1500, Gresley MS For a couple. This time we did the longer version (part slowly, come together quickly, then change places) not the 'diamond dance' version.
Scots Branles 16thC France, described by Arbeau Two branles, swishy side kicks (pieds croises) at the end of steps.
Washerwomen's Branle 16thC France, described by Arbeau Tell your partner off for not picking up his/her dirty socks.
Trihory 16thC France, described by Arbeau A very silly branle: think "swivel swivel kick".

July 12th, 07

Last rehearsal of Alenchon and La Danse de Cleves before Royal Visit

Alenchon late 15thC France, Brussels MS Basse danse of 30 notes in 3 measures - a313
La Danse de Cleves late 15thC France, Brussels MS Figured basse danse - "flowers and hearts"
Gelosia late 15thC Italy three couples, the men are very fickle
Colonnesse late 15thC Italy three couples, each does something different
La Caccia d'Amore late 16thC Italy, described by Negri in 1602 a series of dance games - we did the chasing game,  the "Hunt of Love"
Gioioso in tre 15thC Italy, by Guglielmo Ballo; version of Rostiboli Gioioso for three

 

June 28th, 07

Dress rehearsal of Basse Danse

Alenchon late 15thC France, Brussels MS Basse danse of 30 notes in 3 measures - a313
La Danse de Cleves late 15thC France, Brussels MS Figured basse danse - "flowers and hearts"
Fulgente Stella Caroso, Ballarino, 1580 cascarda for one or two couples (we did the version for two couples)
Eglamour Gresley MS, England, c 1500. follow-my-leader dance for three
Anello 15thC Italy, Domenico ballo for four
Petit Riense late 15thC Italy follow-my-leader dance for three
Prenes on Gre England c. 1500, Gresley MS For a couple. Lots of spinning.

 

 June 14th, 07

      Lots of rehearsing our Basse Danses for a performance at the Royal Visit Feast

Alenchon late 15thC France, Brussels MS Basse danse of 30 notes in 3 measures - a313
La Danse de Cleves late 15thC France, Brussels MS Figured basse danse - "flowers and hearts"
Anello 15thC Italy, Domenico ballo for four
??? Almans ???    
Fulgente Stella Caroso, Ballarino, 1580 cascarda for one or two couples (we did the version for two couples)

May 31st, 07

Alenchon late 15thC France, Brussels MS Basse danse of 30 notes in 3 measures - a313
La Danse de Cleves late 15thC France, Brussels MS Figured basse danse - "flowers and hearts"
Gracca Amorosa Caroso, 1580, Il Ballarino Cascarda for a couple
Chiara Stella Caroso, Ballarino, 1580 cascarda for a couple (not taught)
Fulgente Stella Caroso, Ballarino, 1580 cascarda for one or two couples (we did the version for two couples)
Anello 15thC Italy, Domenico ballo for four
Amoroso late 15thC Italy Ballo Francese for two

We repeated Alenchon and La Danse de Cleves, as we're planning to perform them at a Burgundian-themed event in July. 

May 17th, 07

Amoroso late 15thC Italy Ballo Francese for two
Gioioso in tre 15thC Italy, by Guglielmo Ballo; version of Rostiboli Gioioso for three
Alenchon late 15thC France, Brussels MS Basse danse of 30 notes in 3 measures - a313
Barcellone late 15thC France, Brussels MS Basse danse of 34 notes in 4 measures - 3131
La Danse de Cleves late 15thC France, Brussels MS Figured basse danse - "flowers and hearts"
Lauro late 15thC Italy Bassadanza for a couple, attributed to Lorenzo de Medici
Belfiore late 15thC Italy follow-my-leader dance for three (taught by Tristan)
Eglamour Gresley MS, England, c 1500. follow-my-leader dance for three
Barriera late 16thC Italy - many sources, we danced the Barriera for two from Ballarino Balletto (7 verses, three sciolte) with mimed combat at the barriers. Didn't teach this one, just danced it.

May 3rd, 07

Alesandresca late 15thC Italy Bassadanza for a couple by Guglielmo
Reale late 15thC Italy simple Bassadanza for a couple by Guglielmo

(reconstructed and taught by Ludwig)

Caterva late 15thC Italy complex Bassadanza for three by Guglielmo

(reconstructed and taught by Ludwig)

Petit Riense late 15thC Italy follow-my-leader dance for three
Mercantia late 15thC Italy Ballo for one woman and three men. (We danced it with one man and three women).
Belfiore late 15thC Italy follow-my-leader dance for three (taught by Tristan)
Amoroso late 15thC Italy Ballo Francese for two

April 19th, 07

Temperans c. 1500, England (Gresley MS) for three
Lauro late 15thC Italy Bassadanza for a couple, attributed to Lorenzo de Medici
Mercantia late 15thC Italy Ballo for one woman and three men. (We danced it with one man and three women).
Amoroso late 15thC Italy Ballo Francese for two
Scots Branles 16thC France, described by Arbeau The first two in a set (and the only two Arbeau described). He says they were popular around 1560.
Alesandresca late 15thC Italy Bassadanza for a couple by Guglielmo

April 5th, 07 - no practice

March 22nd, 07

Chiara Stella Caroso, Ballarino, 1580 cascarda (dance for a couple. facing each other and circling)
Maltese Bransle 16thC France, described by Arbeau Mimed branle - Arbeau's, NOT the one done to Schiarazula Marazula
Eglamour Gresley MS, England, c 1500. follow-my-leader dance for three
Alesandresca late 15thC Italy Bassadanza for a couple by Guglielmo
Lauro late 15thC Italy Bassadanza for a couple, attributed to Lorenzo de Medici
Contentezza d'Amore Caroso, Ballarino, 1580

 

Balletto in two parts - a slow opening, with lots of processing about the room; and a faster sciolta

March 8th, 07

Maltese Bransle 16thC France, described by Arbeau Mimed branle - Arbeau's, NOT the one done to Schiarazula Marazula
La Caccia d'Amore late 16thC Italy, described by Negri in 1602 a series of dance games (intro circling, chasing, wheel / musical partners) for three or more couples
Branle de Poictou 16thC France, described by Arbeau Branle with lots of kicks
Bransle Pinagay 16thC France, described by Arbeau Mixed Branle
Petit Riense late 15thC Italy follow-my-leader dance for three
???    

February 22nd, 07

Branle de Poictou 16thC France, described by Arbeau Branle with lots of kicks
Madam Sosilia's Pavan late 16th-17thC England The huggy measure
Il Canario late 16thC Europe spiffy, stampy, partly-improvised style
Amoroso 15thC Italy, by Guglielmo ballo francese for a couple
Rostiboli Gioioso / Gioioso in tre 15thC Italy, by Guglielmo Ballo for a couple, or for three
Galliard 16thC Europe The most kicky, show-off-y, spiffy dance of the  renaissance.
Belfiore 15thC Italy, by Domenico Follow-my-leader dance for three. This is the one with the movimenti.
Maltese Branle 16thC France, described by Arbeau The real one!

February 8th, 07

Started with a discussion of the dancing in 15thC Italy: Piva, Saltarello, Quaternaria and Bassadanza in balli and as independant dances (except quaternaria). Ornamenting all the above (kicks and jumps in saltarello, ombreggiare etc. in bassadanza). Started putting fantasmata and contrapassi in Rostiboli Gioioso.

Rostiboli Gioioso late 15thC Italy, Guglielmo Three-part ballo by Guglielmo. One of the most popular 15thC Italian balli, then and now. Name means "Happy roasted and Boiled [meats]", more or less.
Amoroso late 15thC Italy, Guglielmo/Ambrosio A "Ballo Francese" by Guglielmo/Ambrosio. Petit Riens is (I think) the only other ballo with that name. Perhaps what makes them "French" is that the music is entirely in piva misura. In any case, I'd like to get a faster recording.
Maltese Branle (Arbeau's) late 16thC France, Arbeau Kind of like the modern dance called "The Maltese Branle" in NZ.
Queen's Alman late 16th to late 17thC England One of the Old Measures. We did the version found in the later MSS. The very earliest MS has a different dance under this name. The music of Byrd's.
Galliards! 16thC, everywhere "1,2,3,4 & 5"

January 22nd, 07

~practicing for the Silver Rondel tests at Canterbury Fair~

Prenes on Gre England c. 1500, Gresley MS For a couple. Lots of spinning.
Madam Sosilia's Pavan England, mid-16th to mid-17th Centuries

An Old Measure

Galliards, Galliards, and more galliards! All over western Europe, 16th century The most kicky, show-off-y, spiffy dance of the later renaissance. A few variations from Arbeau. and some simple ones from Lupi.
Black Alman England, mid-16th to mid-17th Centuries The last and most complicated of the Old Measures
Alesandresca late 15thC Italy A bassadanza for a couple by Guglielmo. Slow and slinky.
Belfiore late 15thC Italy Ballo for three by Domenico. Another follow-my leader dance.

   January 11th, 07

Prenes on Gre England c. 1500, Gresley MS For a couple. Lots of spinning.
Quadran Pavan England, mid-16th to mid-17th Centuries An Old Measure
Madam Sosilia's Pavan England, mid-16th to mid-17th Centuries

An Old Measure

Galliards, Galliards, and more galliards! All over western Europe, 16th century The most kicky, show-off-y, spiffy dance of the later renaissance. Our variations were from Arbeau.
Black Alman England, mid-16th to mid-17th Centuries The last and most complicated of the Old Measures

  November 23rd, 06

Rustica Amorosa Caroso, 1580, Il Ballarino Balletto for a couple, in four verses and a sciolta.
Prenes on Gre England c. 1500, Gresley MS For a couple. Lots of spinning.
Branles of Champagne (Cassandra, Pinagay, Charlotte, La Guerre, Aridan) late 16th C France, described by Arbeau in 1589 Sometimes called the Mixed Branles, or the Cut branles.
Trihory, the Branle of Brittany late 16th C France, described by Arbeau in 1589 Swish swish kick.

The silliest branle, and so my favourite.

Hay Branle late 16th C France, perhaps also England Part branle, part courante. Similar to the montarde branle.
The Lorraine Alman England, mid-16th to mid-17th Centuries An Old Measure
The Black Alman England, mid-16th to mid-17th Centuries The last and most complicated of the Old Measures
Petit Riense Giovanni Ambrosio, late 15thC Italy Follow-my-leader dance for three

  November 9th, 06

New Alman, England, from the mid-16th to the mid-17th century An Old Measure - a procession for couples, 'full of state and ancientry'
Prenes on Gre England c. 1500, Gresley MS For a couple. Lots of spinning.
Gioioso in Tre Giovanni Ambrosio, late 15thC Italy A variation for three people of the famous ballo Rostiboli Gioioso
Spagnoletta Nuova Caroso, Il Ballarino, 1580 Spagnoletta for three. Like a cascarda, lots of triangular heys
Eglamour England c. 1500, Gresley MS Follow-my-leader dance for three. Like Belfiore.
Hay Branle late 16th C France, perhaps also England Part branle, part courante. Similar to the montarde branle.

  26th of October, 06

Name When, Where and by Whom What
The Old Alman England, from the mid-16th to the mid-17th century An Old Measure - a procession for couples, 'full of state and ancientry' (says Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing)
The Lorraine Alman England, mid-16th to mid-17th Centuries An Old Measure
The Black Alman England, mid-16th to mid-17th Centuries The last and most complicated of the Old Measures
Trihory, the Branle of Brittany late 16th C France, described by Arbeau in 1589 Swish swish kick.

The silliest branle, and so my favourite.

The Montarde Branle late 16th C France, described by Arbeau in 1589 For a short  line, usually four. Lots of heys.
Prenes on Gre England c. 1500, Gresley MS For a couple. Lots of spinning.
Gracca Amorosa

("Love-chatter")

Caroso, 1580, Il Ballarino A Cascarda - a fast dance for one couple, facing each other on the spot, rather than moving round the room
Rustica Amorosa Caroso, 1580, Il Ballarino Balletto for a couple, in four verses and a sciolta.

Gavotte, part 1

France, late 16th century (described by Arbeau in 1589, and later by de Lauze) I usually take an hour or more to teach this, so we'll do it over several weeks. It's an improvised dance, like a cross between a branle and a galliard. This time, we'll learn how to ornament a branle.
Belfiore 15th C Italy Follow-my-leader dance for three. Very like Eglamour.

12th of October, 06

Name When, Where and by Whom What
Eglamour England, c.1500, recorded in the Gresley MS Follow-my-leader dance for three. very like Belfiore.
Lybens Distonys England, c.1500, recorded in the Gresley MS "diamond dance", for a couple
The Lorraine Alman England, mid-16th to mid-17th Centuries An Old Measure - a procession for many couples "full of state and ancientry" (says Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing
The Black Alman England, mid-16th to mid-17th Centuries The last and most complicated of the Old Measures
Gracca Amorosa

("Love-chatter")

Caroso, 1580, Il Ballarino A Cascarda - a fast dance for one couple, facing each other on the spot, rather than moving round the room
Gelosia  

("Jealousy")

Late 15th C Italy A ballo for three couples; the fickle men can't keep to one partner.
La Caccia 

("The Chase")

Late 16thC Italy; recorded by Negri in Le Gratie d'Amore Dance game for couples. (We'll start with just the chase game, and add the rest of Negri's dance later).

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