Dance History: The Renaissance

What are the three types of court dances? What are their functions?

1. The Entry Dance was meant to salute the king or other noble and display the courtiers fine clothing. 2. The base dance (low dance) was a ceremonial dance to display grace and etiquette. It is a slow, dignified gliding dance that allowed time for socializing. 3. A ball (balletto) which was meant to entertain.

Define briefly the quality of the following dances: 1. Pavane 2. Galliard

1. The pavane was a couple's dance meant to display the courtiers's attire. It involved gliding and walking slowly. It is a base dance. 2. The galliard was a joyous and vigorous dance performed by couples holding hands followed by a solo by the man for his partner. It involved kicks, leaps, and jumps.

How often did courtiers take dance lessons? What did they learn during a lesson?

Courtiers took lessons to learn proper deportment and manners, to practice dance sequences and floor patterns, to learn couple relationships, and to learn coordination of arm movements and steps.

Catherine de Medici commissioned Balthazar de Beaujoyeulx to stage her first lavish spectacle. What were his talents?

He was an Italian violinist and a dancing master. He was one of Catherine's valets.

By the 17th century, dance for the courtiers became a serious pastime, why?

It became a serious pastime because it was an entertainment and a means to display good manners and style.

What does Renaissance refer to exactly?

It refers to the rebirth/ rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman culture.

What was the main theme of the production?

It told the legend of Circe, the Greek enchantress.

Where did it take root?

It took root in Florence, Italy.

Why is it considered the first "ballet" in dance history?

It was considered the first ballet in history because it was the first time that dance, drama, and music were created around one unifying theme.

What were Catherine de Medici's motivations in producing a lavish spectacle?

She was motivated to produce a lavish spectacle because 1. She wanted to display the power and wealth of Rome. 2. She was also interested in the arts. 3. She wanted to distract her sons from power.

What is this lavish ballet called? What year was it performed?

The ballet is called Le Ballet Comique de la Reine and it was performed in the year 1581.

What does the word Renaissance mean?

The word Renaissance means rebirth.