The Sources

Our knowledge of historical dance starts in the 15th century. Under influence of the Renaissance, manuscripts originated in Italy which make dance reconstructions possible. These manuscripts were written by dancing masters for the nobility, with the aim of giving dancing an equal position with arts such as architecture, music, painting and sculpture. They date, therefore, from the very origin of dancing as an art form.
An addition 15th century manuscript of great importance comes from Burgundy, and contains no less than 58 'bassa danse's. The author of this book, which was in the possession of Margaretha of Austria (1480-1530), is anonymous.

Surviving dance music from the Middle Ages includes: estampies, saltarello's and farandole's. Paintings and fresco's show dancing people, often in a circle or a chain formation. In medieval literature, too, dozens of indications can be found that dancing took place but, alas, no dance schema's or choreographies are known to have survived. In practise, this means that dances from that period cannot be authentically reconstructed.
(For additional information, see: Timothy J. McGee: Medieval Instrumental dances, Indiana University Press, Bloomington and Indianapolis, 1989)

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