Branle

The Branles (also: Bransles ) are historical dances, their first written, and thus accurate description dates from the 16th century. The dance steps were the same time and before that used by all strata of the population in different dances.

Branles are round dances, the Leader on person thus has a prominent role ( - we know that Branles were led by clergy, government people, etc.). The dance direction of all Branles goes to the left. Images and engravings of this period show a practice in which the Leader on with a raised hand or with his hat danced at a bar.

The Branles have as a basic step the so-called Pas Double (4 times ), which in some dances can be combined with one or more Simples Pas (2 times ). Other combinations of Doubles can with wheelies, jumps, Fußstampf and the like. be designed.

Sample of a ' Branle gay ' from the dance books by Pierre Attaignant:

Branle gay V at Attaignant? / I

Narrated some Branles are protected by the 1589 published by Thoinot Arbeau dance book " Orchésographie traité et en forme de dialogue ", numerically as the focus in the Branles. In the description of the favorite dances of the youth of this author, professional canons to Langres, we refer to the " Orchésographie " the first choreographic and thus reliable record of the dance sequence, style and step execution. This Branles are thus transmitted to us safely to understand first. Danced and were known certainly more than he mentioned Branles ( especially since there are other imprecise and dance notation and score some sets), because the possible combinations of Doubles with other steps are varied and almost endless. It is thereby assumed that it has thus given a much larger repertoire than we know today. Arbeau himself describes us only a practice of high society. His Branles are listed in "suites".

Even in the mid -17th century were danced at the opening of balls Branles. The dance developed further with more complex footwork. While Arbeau the cheerful and playful character seems to stand in the foreground, the Branles in the 17th century were marked by their courtly context, which finds itself in a rather serious and representative character. The court society had always been shown for the 15th century tend to develop their own dance forms. The dance as a medium was used in this sense " statesmanlike " and developed continuously and independently from the Branles away.

Today, new choreographies and compositions arise. Here is certainly the work of Danyèle Better and Gilles Péquignot the Alsatian group Au Gré des Vents mentioned. These new choreographies, which rest on the knowledge of the historical basis are taught in Germany and France and loved to dance at the Bal Folks.