The contredanse is a European folk dance characterized by figures danced by couples arranged in two lines or a square. It is considered one of Europe’s oldest and most popular folk dances.
The contredanse originated in England and is also known as the “country dance.” However, some historians attribute earlier French origins to it and call it the “contre-danse,” or dance performed face to face.
This dance spread through France from 1684 under the influence of the English dancing master Isaac d’Orléans. It can be danced in a longways formation, with two lines of dancers facing each other, or in a square, with couples positioned on its sides.
The square formation of the French contredanse gave rise to a widespread form, the quadrille, which became popular with both the upper classes and the general public in the early nineteenth century. The quadrille spread through public dances in Paris, then across the rest of France and Europe.
Historical origins of the contredanse
The English contredanse appeared in the mid-sixteenth century, early in the reign of Elizabeth I of England. Dancing master John Playford helped establish its reputation by publishing The English Dancing Master in 1651, a work that went through 18 editions by 1728.
In France, the contredanse spread from 1684 through the work of the English dancing master Isaac d’Orléans. The dancer André Lorin invented a system for notating movement that inspired Pierre Beauchamp and Feuillet to develop a notation system used until the mid-nineteenth century.
Forms of contredanse
There are two forms of contredanse. The English contredanse, or “longways” form, is danced in two facing lines. The dancers move one place with each repetition of a figure, progress toward the top of the set, then move back down after reaching first place. The dance is considered complete when the first couple has returned to its original position.
The French contredanse is danced “in a square” by four couples positioned on the sides of a square. The dance alternates nine “entries” or “syncopations” with a “refrain” specific to each contredanse.
| English contredanse | French contredanse |
|---|---|
| Two lines facing each other | Four couples positioned on the sides of a square |
| Moving one place with each repetition of a figure | Nine “entries” or “syncopations” followed by a “refrain” |
| Return to first place |
Main figures of the contredanse
The French contredanse features a range of elegant and varied figures. The main figures of this folk dance include:
- The circle: a characteristic contredanse figure in which all eight dancers join hands and turn in a circle.
- The ladies’ star: the women join hands and make a series of turns in a graceful movement.
- The men’s star: the men join hands and make a series of turns, adding energy to the dance.
- The allemande: the partners join hands and make a half-turn together.
Other movements also enrich the contredanse:
- Moving forward and backward: the dancers move gracefully to take their places in the formation.
- Sideways chassés: the dancers move elegantly to the side.
- Changing places: the dancers change positions smoothly and in coordination.
- Chains: the dancers meet and exchange hands as they continue dancing.
These figures combine to create harmonious, rhythmic sequences, giving all participants an enjoyable and distinctive dance experience.
An example of a contredanse figure
To make these figures easier to picture, here is an example of a French contredanse sequence:
- The dancers form a square, with each couple occupying one side.
- The circle forms: the dancers join hands and turn in a circle.
- The star for the ladies follows: the women come together, join hands and make a series of turns.
- The men’s star follows: the men join hands in turn and make a series of synchronized turns.
- The allemande closes the figure: the couples join hands and make a half-turn together.
This sequence, which combines several figures, illustrates the elegance and coordination required in the French contredanse.
| Contredanse figure | Description |
|---|---|
| The circle | All eight dancers join hands and turn in a circle. |
| The star for the ladies | The women join hands and make a series of turns. |
| The star for the men | The men join hands and make a series of turns. |
| The allemande | The partners join hands and make a half-turn. |
| Moving forward and backward | The dancers move gracefully through the formation. |
| Sideways chassés | The dancers move elegantly to the side. |
| Changing places | The dancers change positions smoothly. |
| Chains | The dancers meet and exchange hands as they continue dancing. |
Conclusion
The contredanse is a European folk dance that enjoyed great popularity in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. With both English and French roots, this dance is considered a valuable part of Europe’s cultural heritage.
The contredanse played an important role in enriching Europe’s artistic heritage. It also influenced other dances, particularly the quadrille and the cotillion. Still performed in many communities and at folk events, the contredanse continues to engage dancers and audiences through its varied forms and figures.
The contredanse’s complex movements and sequences of figures are an artistic expression. The dance combines grace, elegance and energy, earning the admiration of spectators.
The contredanse remains a living testament to Europe’s cultural heritage and a celebration of folk dance. Through its characteristic steps and choreography, it continues to engage today’s dancers and pass the traditions and artistic legacy of earlier generations to those who follow.
FAQ
What is the definition of the contredanse as a folk dance?
The contredanse is a dance made up of figures performed by couples arranged in two lines or a square. This European folk dance was highly popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is related to other dances, such as the quadrille and cotillion. Rich in movement and artistic expression, it contributes to Europe’s cultural heritage and artistic traditions.
What are the historical origins of the contredanse?
The contredanse originated in England and is also called the “country dance.” Some historians attribute an earlier French origin to it and call it the “contre-danse.” Its development in France was encouraged by the English dancing master Isaac d’Orléans from 1684 onward. Dancing master John Playford also helped establish its reputation by publishing “The English Dancing Master” in 1651, a work that went through 18 editions by 1728.
What are the forms of contredanse?
There are two forms of contredanse. The English contredanse, or “longways” form, is danced in two facing lines. The dancers move one place with each repetition of a figure, progress toward the top of the set, then move back down after reaching first place. The French contredanse is danced “in a square” by four couples positioned on the sides of a square. Each contredanse alternates nine “entries” or “syncopations” with its own “refrain.”
What are the main figures of the contredanse?
The main figures of the French contredanse include the circle, in which all eight dancers join hands and turn in a circle; the ladies’ and men’s stars, in which the dancers join hands and make a series of turns; and the allemande, in which partners join hands and make a half-turn. Other figures include moving forward and backward, sideways chassés, changing places and chains.
What role does the contredanse play in cultural heritage?
As a European folk dance, the contredanse has enriched Europe’s cultural and artistic heritage. It was highly popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and remains appreciated in some communities and at folk events. This dance with English and French roots influenced other dances, including the quadrille and cotillion, demonstrating its importance in the history of European dance and culture.