Elizabethan

The exciting dances of the Elizabethan period reflect the spirit of the age, when new worlds were being discovered and adventurers like Drake and Raleigh brought treasures from afar to adorn the court of Elizabeth I - 'Gloriana'. Already excommunicated by the Pope, Elizabeth scorned many of the conventions of Catholic Europe, and danced with glee dances such as La Volta, forbidden in Europe by the Pope as indecent! Other dances, such as 'Buffens' and the 'Battle Pavan', portray mock battles, and are very exciting.