Mediaeval Dances... Medieval Dances - The Carole Dance The Carole was one of the earliest Saxon Medieval dances. The Carole was a Yule-tide festivity, of which the present-day Christmas carols are a remnant. The carole was the most popular dance which could be danced in a circle, in a chain, or as a processional. Medieval Dances - The Egg Dance The Egg dance was one of the earliest Saxon Medieval dances and, like the Carole, was performed during a period of festivity namely the Easter-tide festivities. The egg dance was derived from a traditional Easter game, in the egg dance eggs were laid on the ground or floor and the goal was to dance among them damaging as few eggs as possible. Medieval Dances - The Morris Dance The oldest dances which remain unchanged in England are the Morris dances, which were introduced in the time of Edward III. The name Morris or Moorish refers to the origin of these dances, which are said to have been brought back by John of Gaunt from his travels in Spain. The Morris Medieval dances are associated with May-day, and are danced round a maypole to a lively and capering step, some of the performers having bells fastened to their knees in the Moorish manner. The Medieval Morris dancers originally dressed as characters of old English tradition, such as Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, Little John and Tom the Piper. The sticks carried by Morris Dancers represented swords. Also see May Pole Dancing. Medieval Dances - The Quadrille The Quadrille is of some antiquity, and a dance of this kind was first brought to England from Normandy by William the Conqueror, and was common all over Europe during the Medieval period. The Quadrille was a square dance of 5 or more figures for 4 or more couples. Medieval Dances - The Jig The Jig was the name used to describe any of various old rustic Medieval dances involving skipping, kicking and leaping. Music was played in in three-four time for dancing a jig. The Jig was particularly popular in Ireland.
Posted on: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 21:20:01 +0000
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