Social Dance: A Short History

A historical dance book that explores the origins and development of social dance forms from early times, discussing their role in social history and their use in Renaissance spectacles.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 19 November 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1963 and authored by the then Editor of the Dancing Times, this groundbreaking work delved into the origins and evolution of numerous social dance forms from ancient times, while also exploring their connections to their respective environments. In addition to its significance in social history, the book analyzed the pivotal role of dance as a primary creative force in Renaissance spectacles that depicted and celebrated diplomatic, military, and regal occasions. After an extensive introductory chapter on the origins of dancing, the book traversed centuries, discussing in turn the Basse Danse and the Moresco of the Middle Ages, the Pavane, Galliard, and Courante of the 16th Century, the Minuet of the 17th and 18th, the Allemande, the Waltz, and the Polka, as well as Jazz, the Cha Cha Cha, the Jive, and Twist.

Introduction:
The origins of dancing can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it served as a means of communication, celebration, and ritual. Over time, dance forms evolved and diversified, reflecting the cultural and social influences of different regions and periods. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Renaissance period witnessed a remarkable flourishing of dance, with new styles and techniques emerging. This period also saw the rise of dance as a prominent form of entertainment, with elaborate spectacles and performances taking place in courts and theaters across Europe.

Basse Danse and the Moresco:
The Basse Danse and the Moresco were two popular dance forms of the Middle Ages. The Basse Danse was a lively and energetic dance that originated in France and was often performed in public gatherings and festivals. It featured a rhythmic footwork and was accompanied by music played on instruments such as the tambourine and the fiddle. The Moresco, on the other hand, was a graceful and elegant dance that originated in Italy and was typically performed by noblemen and women. It featured intricate footwork and was accompanied by music played on instruments such as the lute and the harpsichord.

Pavane, Galliard, and Courante:
The 16th century saw the emergence of three distinct dance styles: the Pavane, the Galliard, and the Courante. The Pavane was a slow and graceful dance that originated in France and was often performed by noblemen and women. It featured a delicate and flowing movement and was accompanied by music played on instruments such as the lute and the harpsichord. The Galliard was a lively and energetic dance that originated in England and was often performed by men. It featured a rhythmic footwork and was accompanied by music played on instruments such as the violin and the lute. The Courante was a fast and lively dance that originated in France and was often performed by men and women. It featured a rhythmic footwork and was accompanied by music played on instruments such as the violin and the lute.

Minuet:
The Minuet was a dance that originated in France in the 17th century and was popular throughout Europe. It featured a symmetrical and structured movement that was accompanied by music played on instruments such as the violin and the harpsichord. The Minuet was a refined and elegant dance that was often performed by noblemen and women and was considered a symbol of social status and refinement.

Allemande:
The Allemande was a dance that originated in France in the 17th century and was popular throughout Europe. It featured a rhythmic and flowing movement that was accompanied by music played on instruments such as the violin and the harpsichord. The Allemande was a graceful and elegant dance that was often performed by noblemen and women and was considered a symbol of social status and refinement.

Waltz:
The Waltz was a dance that originated in Austria in the 18th century and was popular throughout Europe. It featured a graceful and flowing movement that was accompanied by music played on instruments such as the violin and the harpsichord. The Waltz was a romantic and elegant dance that was often performed by couples and was considered a symbol of love and courtship.

Polka:
The Polka was a dance that originated in Poland in the 19th century and was popular throughout Europe. It featured a lively and energetic movement that was accompanied by music played on instruments such as the accordion and the piano. The Polka was a popular dance that was often performed by groups of people and was considered a symbol of joy and celebration.

Jazz:
Jazz is a music genre that originated in the United States in the early 20th century and has since become a global phenomenon. Jazz is characterized by its syncopated rhythms, improvisation, and unique blend of different musical styles. Jazz has had a significant impact on dance, with many dance styles and techniques influenced by jazz music.

Cha Cha Cha:
The Cha Cha Cha is a dance that originated in Cuba in the 1950s and has since become a popular dance around the world. It features a lively and energetic movement that is accompanied by music played on instruments such as the piano and the guitar. The Cha Cha Cha is a fun and flirty dance that is often performed by couples and is considered a symbol of love and romance.

Jive:
The Jive is a dance that originated in the United States in the 1920s and has since become a popular dance around the world. It features a lively and energetic movement that is accompanied by music played on instruments such as the piano and the guitar. The Jive is a fun and flirty dance that is often performed by couples and is considered a symbol of love and romance.

Twist:
The Twist is a dance that originated in the United States in the 1960s and has since become a popular dance around the world. It features a lively and energetic movement that is accompanied by music played on instruments such as the guitar and the piano. The Twist is a fun and flirty dance that is often performed by couples and is considered a symbol of love and romance.

In conclusion, dance has played a significant role in human history, from its origins in ancient civilizations to its prominence in Renaissance spectacles and its evolution into a global phenomenon. The dance forms discussed in this work, such as the Basse Danse, the Moresco, the Pavane, the Galliard, the Courante, the Minuet, the Allemande, the Waltz, the Polka, Jazz, the Cha Cha Cha, the Jive, and the Twist, have each contributed to the rich tapestry of dance history and continue to be enjoyed by people around the world today.

Weight: 700g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032012629