It supplies descriptions of numerous dances, plus musical notation, with the steps and positions clearly defined, and 24 versions of the branle.
The music for the branle was often provided by the singing of the dancers.
In some places, he says, the dancers make a basse dance reprise or branle in place of the double right.
The branle is danced in a group in the form of a circle or chain, and it consists of simple steps to the right or left.
This article started out as a discussion on the formation used in branle des chevaux, or Horses.
Arbeau's third type of branle required the performer to mime gestures or to add facial expressions to the steps.
Come and learn many of the dances he describes, from branles to pavans to galliards.
During the latter half of the century, however, a different type emerged at the French court: a social couple dance, it seems to have been unrelated to the branle.
In 1662, Pepys described in detail a ball given by King Charles II which began with the dancing of a branle.
Origin
Late 16th century: from French, from branler 'shake'.