DANCES AND DANCING
139
The Master then gives his pupil an account of the basse dance, the 1st and 2nd parts of which are composed of various arrangements of the following movements—
- La révérence, marked with a big R.
- Le branle (not the dance of that name), marked with b.
- Deux simples, marked ss.
- Le double, marked d.
- La reprise, marked with a little r.
The 'chanson'—i.e., the dance tune, was played on the flute, and accompanied by the 'tabourin' or drum, which beats all the time. Every 'bar' of the music is called either a 'battement' of the drum, or a 'mesure' of the chanson.
Now Arbeau explains the steps and time of each of the above five movements.
1. R. This takes four bars. Begin with left foot forward, and in doing the révérence, half turn your body and face towards the Damoiselle, and cast on her 'un gracieux regard.'
2. b.[1] Also takes four bars. Keep the feet joined
- ↑ The branle (not the dance, but as used here) is called Congedium by Anthoine Arena. Arbeau thinks because the dancer appears about to take leave of his partner—i.e., prendre congé. See Hen. VIII., IV. ii. l. 82, stage direction, 'congee.'
