CONTREDANSES Meaning and
Definition
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Contredanses refers to a genre of traditional French dance that originated in the 17th century. This term is derived from the French word "contre" meaning "opposite" and "danse" meaning "dance," highlighting its characteristic intricate patterns and movements that are performed in opposition to each other. Contredanses were widely popular in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in France and England.
Typically performed in groups or couples, contredanses involve a set sequence of steps and figures performed to lively and rhythmic music. These dances are structured, with predetermined choreography and formations, often guided by a caller who would call out instructions for the dancers to follow. The overall structure of a contredanse typically consists of several repeated sections or figures, which are composed of various steps, turns, promenades, and changes of position.
Contredanses were not only intended for entertainment but also served as a means of socializing and courtship. They provided an opportunity for individuals to interact, engage in friendly competition, and build connections with one another. Contredanses were commonly featured at social gatherings, balls, and aristocratic events, where participants would dress in formal attire and engage in these coordinated dances as a display of elegance and grace.
While the popularity of contredanses has diminished over the years, traces of this dance style can be found in modern ballroom dancing and folk dances, as their influence has carried through to the present day. Despite their historical context, contredanses continue to hold significance as an emblem of traditional French dance and cultural heritage.
Common Misspellings for CONTREDANSES
- contredance
- contredanss
- contredans
- contredanse
- xontredanses
- vontredanses
- fontredanses
- dontredanses
- cintredanses
- ckntredanses
- clntredanses
- cpntredanses
- c0ntredanses
- c9ntredanses
- cobtredanses
- comtredanses
- cojtredanses
- cohtredanses
- conrredanses
- confredanses
Etymology of CONTREDANSES
The word "contredanses" has its etymology rooted in the French language.
"Contredanses" is a plural form of the French word "contredanse", which can be broken down into two parts: "contre" meaning "against" or "opposite" and "danse" meaning "dance".
Originally, "contredanse" referred to a type of group dance performed in pairs facing each other. The term later expanded in meaning to include various types of social dances in France and other European countries. As these dances gained popularity and spread beyond France, the term "contredanse" was adopted by other languages, including English. Over time, the plural form "contredanses" came into use to refer to multiple dances of this type.
Similar spelling words for CONTREDANSES
- contretemps,
- contredanse,
- countryman,
- Contra Danse,
- controlled,
- contravene,
- contrivance,
- counterexample,
- country-bred,
- countrified,
- contrarian,
- contrasty,
- contrasting,
- countryfied,
- contradance,
- country-dance,
- contorted,
- contrived,
- contrastive,
- contrabass,
- Contreras,
- contrariness.
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