The Almain was a stately Renaissance couple dance whose name means "German," built on walking and double steps in duple meter. First recorded in the early 16th century, it was danced in courts across Europe through the early 17th century.

Where did the Almain originate?

The Almain originated in Germany/France in the 1520s.

What time signature is the Almain danced in?

The Almain is danced in 2/2 time.

What tempo is the Almain danced at?

The Almain is typically danced at Moderate walking tempo (period sources give no metronomic values).

What is the character of the Almain?

The Almain is characterized as stately, flowing, elegant, turning.

Dance History›Historic Renaissance Court›Almain

Historic Renaissance CourtALM

Almain

Also known as: Alman, Allemande, German Dance

OriginGermany/France

Era1520–1620

Rhythm2/2 time

TempoModerate walking tempo (period sources give no metronomic values)

CharacterStately, flowing, elegant, turning

History & Cultural Context

The Almain takes its name from the French for "German," though its history is more the story of a label for German-associated dance characteristics than a single line of descent from Germany. A dance titled "La Allemande" appears in Robert Coplande's 1521 treatise, and printed allemandes in duple meter circulated in mid-16th-century French collections (Gervaise, Phalese, Susato). Thoinot Arbeau's Orchesographie (1588/89) gives the first full choreography: a simple processional dance for couples built on repeated walking steps, which he calls sedate, known to the Germans, and one of the oldest dances in France. More elaborate choreographed almains using singles and doubles survive in English Inns of Court sources of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Unlike the leaping galliard, the Almain emphasized controlled, measured movement. By the mid-17th century the allemande had disappeared as a dance — Mersenne wrote in 1636 that it was no longer danced in France — while lending its name and musical character to the instrumental allemande of the Baroque suite.

Cultural Significance

The Almain represented German influence on Renaissance court dancing. Its calm elegance contrasted with the dramatic galliard, allowing dancers to showcase controlled technique. The dance's popularity across European courts reflected increasing cultural exchange and the importance of dance in diplomacy.

Peak Popularity

1570s

88% estimated global awareness

Signature Figures

Double
Single
Reverence
Turn

Notable Codifiers

Thoinot Arbeau
Fabrizio Caroso

Dance Lineage

Gave rise to:

Allemande

Almain Playlists

Curated collections on the LODance YouTube channel — performances to watch, lessons to learn from, and the right music to practice with. Tap a collection to play.

▶ Lessons · Open on YouTube →

What to Wear

Attire guidance for Almain and other Historic Renaissance 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

Class — group instruction; comfort first.

Practice — rehearsal; dress like the dance.

Social — public dance floor; smart casual to formal.

Competition — judged events; rule-bound costume.

In Class

Comfortable shoes with low heels, regular practice wear. Some instructors encourage long skirts for women to practice managing fabric.

Social Dancing

Renaissance faires and historical dance balls: period costume expected (gowns, doublets). Academic reconstruction groups range from full costume to smart casual.

Competition

Performance-only; full Renaissance period costume for staged demonstrations.

Shoes

Flat or low-heeled soft shoes. Renaissance dance shoes were essentially soft leather slippers. Modern equivalent: jazz shoes or soft ballet shoes with leather soles.

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In Practice

Long skirt practice teaches fabric management; many groups keep one practice skirt available even for participants who normally wear pants.

Price Range

Budget: Soft ballet shoes or jazz shoes $30–80; long practice skirt $40–100.
Mid: Reproduction Renaissance footwear $120–250; commissioned period gowns $300–1,000.
Premium: Hand-stitched reproduction costume $1,500–6,000+.

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.

Evolution of Dance Attire →Shop the look · Gear Guide →

Sources & Further Reading

Cultural & Historical Context

Almain emerged from Germany/France during the 1520s—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:

Thoinot Arbeau, Fabrizio Caroso

Signature Movement Vocabulary:

Double, Single, Reverence, Turn

Primary Source Documents

The Library of Dance contains public-domain primary sources for dance history. Copyrighted modern syllabi are indexed with purchase links to their respective copyright owners. Search by dance name or codifier to discover primary source documents.

Last reviewed: August 2026 — This dance profile synthesizes historical research, cultural documentation, and contemporary practice knowledge to provide authoritative context.

Related Dances

Pavane(H-REN)

Courante(H-BAR)

Galliard(H-REN)

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