Renaissance Dance

Renaissance dance refers to the style and practice of dance in Europe during the Renaissance period (roughly 14th to 17th centuries). It was characterized by structured, elegant movements often performed at courtly events, emphasizing grace and social etiquette. Dances like pavane, galliarde, and branle involved coordinated steps and patterns, often with partners. These dances reflected the cultural values of the time—order, harmony, and refinement—and were integral to social and ceremonial life. They also influenced the development of later Western dance forms, blending artistic expression with social interaction.