Pease Branle

The Pease Branle (Branle des Pois) is found in Orchesography by Thoinot Arbeau. According to Arbeau it is also known as the Margueritotte. It is a mimed branle

Steps Used

• Double left (DL)
• Double right (DR)
• Large Jump (a saut majeur ending with pieds joints) (J)
• Step left (L)
• Small Jump landing with feet closed (a petit saut ending with pieds joints) (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 dance may be done with running steps as in the Haut Barrois Branle.

The two strains of music alternate until such time as the musicians decide to stop.

1st Strain

DL DR
Repeat

2nd Strain

Men perform a large jump, ladies then do the same. Men take a step to the left (not closed) and do three small jumps in place, but having taken the initial step they will be slightly further away from their partners. Then the ladies perform a large jump, men perform a large jump, and finally ladies take an unclosed step left and do three small jumps.

Men: J
Women: J
Men: L j j j
Women: J
Men: J
Women: L j j j