![]() The temperaments of its many interpretations run from pensive and slow to vibrant and fast. Composers who created their own versions include Lully, d’Anglebert, Marais, Couperin, and Corelli. The melodious tune provides a rich platform for highly expressive variations. The Folies d’Espagne started as a popular dance tune from Portugal with a 3/4 time signature, featuring improvisational flourishes for both musicians and dancers. It originated in French courts at the end of 17th century its popularity grew during the 18th century, and the form is still practiced today. It became a popular last dance at French courtiers balls, as it was a carefree respite from the more intricate French court dances. ![]() In England, it became known as the “country dance,” as each active couple dances with everyone in the group, i.e., the entire country town. ![]() Eventually every person has a turn as the “active” dancer. As the active couple moves down the line, a new “active” couple emerges at the top of the line. One “active” couple at a time dances down the line, relating to each member of the group, via a simple dance combination. It is called “contre” for its signature formation: a line of female dancers faces a line of male dancers. It was first recorded in England and was exported to France in the 1680s. The famous, recognizable Contredance (also “Contredanse” or “Contra dance”) is a patterned folk dance. Its delicate baroque dance steps and spatial pattern mark this flirtatious interlude: a man and woman start holding “proper” hands (his right hand holds her left hand) they retreat in order to touch right hands and quickly change to touch left hands they again retreat and return to meet face to face, and finally, hold both hands. It was the most popular social dance of the courts during the first third of the 18th century. Pierre Beauchamp, the king’s dancing master, codified the well-known, standard steps with his arrangements in 1725. The name “Minuet” first appears in records beginning in 1664. The Minuet developed in this time period, having originated from the Branle de Poiteau of the French provinces. ![]()
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