Styles and epochs - a short overview

Renaissance

Renaissance dance - this term covers a time span from the first dance manuals of renaissance Italy (about 1450) to the emergence of French baroque stile (early 17th century). It comprises the dances performed at the courts of 15th- and 16th-century Italy, the Bassedanze and Balli, elegant dances for a couple, three people or a long processional formation of many dancers, as well as the energetic Galliard (Gagliarda, Gaillarde); but also the slow and gracious Pavane (Pavana) and the Branles, danced in a circle or row and popular with all social classes.