Dance in the renaissance was a natural part of gatherings. Following a meal or event, members of the party moved to a specially constructed area where they danced using specific steps. Live music turned the dance into something special and some musicians even made up music as they went. This forced the participants to change their steps to keep the tempo of the music. The dances ranged from highly complex to fairly simple.

The Choreography and Customs of the Time

The choreography of the dances performed during the Renaissance varied quite a bit. The pavane and bass dance for example were slow dances usually done in a group setting. The canario and galliard were more upbeat with a faster tempo music. These faster dances also gave performers the right to do jumping and spinning.

There were also dances reserved solely for couples like the lavolta. This dance gave the power to the man who led the dance by turning the woman slowly around the dance floor. In this dance he also lifted the woman gently into the air while he slowly turned on the dance floor. It was usually done between two people involved in a relationship.

Group dances were often used during the Renaissance. One type involved the participants standing in a circular formation while the danced. Another type had the dancers moving in a linear fashion. There were also dancers similar to modern day dance troops. These individuals spent days working on a routine before performing it in front of others.

The Dress of the Participants

The dance worn by participants was important because of cultural and societal norms. The men wore tight fitting pants topped with an oversized blouse type garment that laced up the front. Women were more controlled and often wore corsets on the upper part of their body. It took away their freedom of movement, which focused the dance work on the movements of the feet rather than the upper body. Both sexes also wore ruffled collars or a piece called a ruff that covered their neck and part of their lower face as a form of adult costume.

Regional Variations

Poitou was the home of a dance known as the branle. Dancers stood in a circular formation holding hands and moved a few steps towards the right and left as a group. The Canary took inspiration from the Canary Islands, but was more popular in Spain. Couples doing this dance moved quickly together doing a movement that resembles the modern day triple step.

More resources on dance in the Renaissance:

• Types of Dance in the Renaissance : provides specific examples of dances.

• Renaissance Dance : gives examples of dances and how they were performed.

• What is Renaissance Dance? : offers a detailed definition about this type of dancing.

• SCA Renaissance Dance : society dedicated to preserving the dances used during the Renaissance.

• Renaissance : provides examples of music used for specific dances.

• Renaissance Historical Dance Society : UK based society that hosts events showing historical dances.

• Renaissance Dance Cheat Sheets : gives the exact steps used in different dances.

Renaissance dance involved more than just fancy adult costumes. Those serious about the dancing spent hours working on their moves and perfecting the motion. However there were some who danced because they loved it and danced at parties and events. Renaissance dances varied depending on the area and the participants.