From a picture by Hans Burgkmair.]
At the end of the sixteenth century we get a work on dancing which
shows us completely its position as a social art in that day. It is
the "Orchesographie" of Thoinot Arbeau (Jean Tabouret, Canon of
Langres, in 1588), from which comes the illustration of the
"Galliarde" (fig. 49) and to which I would refer the reader for all
the information he desires concerning this period. In this work much
stress is laid on the value of learning to dance from many points of
view--development of strength, manner, habits and courtesy, etc. Alas!
we know now that all these external habits can be acquired and leave
the "natural man" beneath. [Illustration: Fig. 49.--_La Galliarde_.
From the "Orchesographie" of Thoinot Arbeau (Jean Tabourot), Langres,
1588.]
Desirable, therefore, as good manners and such like are, they do not
fulfil all the requirements that the worthy Canon wished to be
involved by them.
[Footnote: The advice which he gives is valuable
from its bearing on the customs of the 16th century.
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