Spain / Latin America, 16th century
SARABANDE
The slow dance of the baroque courts
Sarabande appeared in the 16th century in colonial Spain and Latin America, initially as a popular dance deemed so sensual that it was banned by Philip II in 1583. Taken up and refined by European royal courts, it became in the 17th century a slow, solemn triple-meter ballroom dance, highly prized in baroque suites.
Musically, the Sarabande would accompany the greatest baroque works — Bach, Handel, Corelli — and become an archetype of the noble dance: high carriage of the arms, solemn steps, and marked accents on the second beat of each bar. It directly helped shape the posture and arm carriage of nascent classical ballet.
How it's danced
Technique & figures
Sarabande is danced to slow triple-meter music, with a marked musical accent on the second beat of each bar. It is performed in a couple or a group, according to the protocol of court balls.
Styles and fundamentals
The posture is tall, the body's axis very vertical, the arms carried in a crown shape or extended to the sides. Steps are measured and glided, with bows and bodily accents on the marked beats.
Main figures
- 01
Glided step
A solemn gliding walk, step after step, with suspension on the second beat.
- 02
Bow
A ceremonial bow, the foundation of the courtly language of baroque dance.
- 03
High arm carriage
Arms carried in a crown shape, the signature of the noble posture.
Reading the music
Baroque music (Bach, Handel, Corelli, Lully), instrumental suites in triple meter.
Did you know?
Explore the rhythms
Same family
Fondations Académiques
Cross connections
Styles from other families that share a common language with Sarabande.