Poitou Branle

The Poitou branle (or Branle de Poitou) is found in Orchesography by Thoinot Arbeau. It is reputed to have been danced by the Poitevins. The music is in a time signature of 9/2, modernized as 9/4. There are many instrumental pieces from 16th century France called Branle de Poitou with either 9/4 or 6/4 timing, or else an alternation between the two.

Some musical examples of the Branle double de Poitou also exist.

Steps Used

• Pied en l'air gauche: small lift up or kick forward with the left foot (KL)
• Pied en l'air droit: small lift up or kick forward with the right foot (KR)

N. B. Since the pieds en l'air appear in the choreography of this dance in a way that does not correspond to the use of the grave in any other dances, it cannot be assumed that the feet are supposed to be held forward, so these pieds en l'air could easily have been small lifts of the feet, rather than kicks. This is all the more likely because these steps were sometimes done with a stamping action, which would be more awkward if the feet go forward and back at the same time.

Choreography

As with most branles, this dance is performed in a line of people holding hands or, if enough people are present, a circle. It is not necessary for the dancers to be paired into couples. All steps are done while moving gradually to the left side.

KR KL KR KL (slowly, holding each lift or kick for three beats)
KR KL KR KL (quickly, doing each lift or kick in one beat)
Pause for two beats
Repeat