Thoinot Arbeau

Thoinot Arbeau (* March 17, 1519 in Dijon, † July 23, 1595 in Langres, actually: Jehan Tabourot ) was a wealthy canon, who spent most of his life as a member of the clergy at the Cathedral of Langres. He did not attain fame through his work as a priest, but as the author of a book on the dances of his time.

Tabourot used the anagram of his name in 1588 for the publication of his book Dance Orchésographie traité et en forme de dialogue, par toutes personnes peuvent lequel facilement apprendre et pratiquer l' exercice honneste of dances. The book contains, after some introductory remarks about military music, drums and marching detailed instructions for common at times Arbeaus dances, such as Branle, Gaillarde, Pavane. This is followed by information on social dances such as Basse dance, Allemande Courante and, as well as some details about popular dance forms, such as Morris dancing and canarie.

Works

• Orchésographie. Reprint of the edition 1588th Olms, Hildesheim, 1989, ISBN 3-487-06697-1.