Courante
Also known as: Courant, Corrente
History & Cultural Context
The Courante emerged during the Renaissance and became one of the dominant dances of the Baroque period. The dance featured rapid running steps (hence 'courante' meaning 'running') with smooth, flowing movement and frequent turning figures. Unlike the stately pavane or formal minuet, the courante emphasized continuous motion and grace. The courante typically followed the pavane in paired dance suites. Famous composers including Bach and Handel included courantes in their instrumental suites. The dance remained popular through the 18th century.
Cultural Significance
The Courante represented the Baroque embrace of flowing, elegant movement. Its prominence in instrumental suites made it one of the most enduring Baroque dance forms. The dance showcased the grace and refinement valued in Baroque court culture.
Track Your Courante Progress
Practice Courante figures between lessons with Figure Focus — step-by-step breakdowns, floor diagrams, and progress tracking. Free to use.
What to Wear
Attire guidance for Courante and other Historic Baroque Court dances. Each card below is sized to the moment — class, practice, social, or competition — because the wardrobe shifts as the stakes do.
Reading the cards
In Class
Comfortable clothing with period-appropriate character shoes if available. Many historical dance classes welcome modern practice wear.
Social Dancing
Period recreation events call for Baroque-era costumes: women in corsets and full skirts, men in breeches and frock coats. Social historical dance events range from costumed to smart casual.
Competition
Rarely competed; performance events typically expect full period costume authentic to the 17th–18th century.
Shoes
Character shoes with a low (1–1.5") shaped heel. Historically accurate shoes have buckles and a Louis heel. For class: any low-heeled shoe with a smooth sole.
In Practice
Modern practice wear is welcome in most academic Baroque classes; serious reconstruction groups practice in period-appropriate footwear so the body learns the geometry the dances were designed for.
Price Range
- Budget: Modern character shoes $40–80; loose historically-styled clothing from costume retailers.
- Mid: Replica Louis-heel shoes $150–300; commissioned period-styled garments $200–800.
- Premium: Hand-stitched 18th-century reproduction costume $1,500–5,000+; bespoke buckle shoes $400–900.
Quick Tips
- •Suede-soled shoes allow controlled sliding and pivoting — essential for most partner dances.
- •Avoid rubber soles on dance floors; they grip too much and can cause knee injuries.
- •Bring a separate pair of clean shoes for the dance floor to keep it in good condition.
Sources & Further Reading
Official References & Syllabi
For competitive dances, official technique and choreographic standards are maintained by:
- • ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) and WDSF (World DanceSport Federation) official syllabi and technique manuals
- • DVIDA (Dance Vision International Dance Association) materials for American dance variants
- • USA Dance and other national governing body resources
- • WDC (World Dance Council) competition rules and adjudication standards
Cultural & Historical Context
Courante emerged from France/Italy during the 1540s—1620s. Understanding the cultural roots, musical traditions, and social circumstances of this era enriches appreciation for the dance's characteristics and significance.
Formative Influences
Codifiers & Standardizers:
Fabrizio Caroso, Pierre Rameau
Signature Movement Vocabulary:
Double, Single, Turn
Primary Source Documents
The LODance Library contains original syllabi, instructional materials, and published references for dance technique and history. Search by dance name or codifier to discover primary source documents.
Last reviewed: May 2026 — This dance profile synthesizes historical research, cultural documentation, and contemporary practice knowledge to provide authoritative context.
Related Dances
More in Historic Baroque Court
Minuet
The Minuet was a stately Baroque couple dance with small, delicate steps and refined posture. It became the quintessential court dance of the 17th-18th centuries, symbolizing aristocratic elegance.
Gavotte
The Gavotte was a moderate-tempo Baroque couple dance featuring hopping steps and beginning on the third beat of the measure. It was second in popularity only to the minuet in 18th-century courts.
Bourrée
The Bourrée was a brisk Baroque couple dance featuring quick steps and a bouncy character. It was typically performed as part of dance suites and appeared in instrumental compositions by major composers.
Sarabande
The Sarabande was a slow, dignified Baroque couple dance of Spanish/Mexican origin, featuring stately movement and often performed at the beginning of dance suites. It was one of the most popular Baroque dances.
What did dancers wear?
Courante belongs to the Renaissance Courts (1400s–1600s) era. See how attire shaped the choreography — and the other way around.
Explore Renaissance Courts attire →