Black Alman.
Source: Orchesographie, written by Thoinot Arbeau and published in 1588-1589.
A lovely video of this simple but charming dance.
Steps.
The gentleman takes the lady's left hand in his right, with the next gentleman taking the lady's free right hand and so on for as many couples as will. The dance is done in a line and a circle.
- Couples face up, holding inside hands.
- Double Forward LEFT
- Double Forward RIGHT
- Double Forward LEFT
- Double Forward RIGHT (Face your partner.)
- Double Back LEFT
- Double Forward RIGHT
(All 1/4 turn LEFT: gentlemen face up the hall, ladies down.) - Double Forward LEFT
(All turn around to face the other direction.) - Double Forward RIGHT (Face your partner.)
- Men set LEFT, set RIGHT & turn single LEFT
- Women, same. (Take hands)
- Turn as couple 180*
- 4 sliding steps up.
- Turn as couple 180*
- 4 sliding steps down. (Drop hands.)
- Double Back LEFT
- Double Forward RIGHT (Take hands.)
- Repeat. (40 counts total)
Notes.
- Add a little heel pop to the end of each 4-count to really show off your style, and calves!
Resources.
- The Washerwoman's Branle. Entry in the Renaissance Dance Database. This offers links to dance cheat sheets, sheet music online and music downloads.
I made my customary playlist of music for you to use for practicing at home. Enjoy, and happy dancing!
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