Washerwomen's Branle

The Washerwomen's Branle (Branle des Lavandieres) is found in Orchesography by Thoinot Arbeau. It is a mimed branle.

Steps Used

• Double left (DL)
• Double right (DR)
• Single left (SL)
• Single right (SR)
• Pied en l'air gauche or kick left (KL)
• Pied en l'air droit or kick right (KR)
• Saut majeur or jump, landing with feet joined (J)

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 necessary for the dancers to be paired with partners.

The three strains of the tune alternate until such time as the musicians decide to stop.

1st Strain

DL DR (Repeat)

2nd Strain

Partners turn to face each other:
SL SR (while men shake their fingers at their partners, who have their hands on their hips)
SL SR (while women shake their fingers at their partners, who have their hands on their hips)

3rd Strain

Resuming standard branle formation:
DL (clapping hands)
DR (holding hands)
DL (clapping hands)
KL KR KL J (in a circle over the left shoulder)