Maltese Branle

The Maltese Branle is a circle branle, supposedly invented by the Knights of Malta to burlesque the Turks.

Most famous for the repeated bit where people dance into the middle making various gestures, before executing three gonad-high kicks and turning out again. This can be hysterical when performed by men in full leg-armour.

The name of this branle is often applied erroneously to the Turkish Branle, which was choreographed in the SCA to the tune of Schiarazula Marazula. The Turkish Branle was inspired by the Maltese Branle, and is attributed to Mistress Ellen the Fair. This tune often accelerates as it goes on; some dance-tapes also include a repeat performance which starts at three-halfs speed and picks up from there, which has come to be nicknamed the Suicide Branle.

The melody (with acceleration) can also be used to dance the Calafian Branle which is the one with the twirling back and forth that makes some people very dizzy.

This dance page is missing a choreography. Please help Cunnan by updating it.