What is gavatte?

Gavotte is a French dance that was popular during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is a lively and graceful dance that is performed in 4/4 time. The dance involves a succession of small steps, hops, and jumps with a characteristic lifting of the feet. It is typically danced in pairs or small groups, with the dancers performing various figures and patterns.

The gavotte originated as a folk dance in the central regions of France, and it was later adopted by the French court as a formal dance. It became popular in other European countries, including England, where it was often included in country dances.

In addition to its popularity as a court dance, the gavotte also found its way into classical music. Many composers, including Bach, Handel, and Mozart, wrote gavottes as part of their orchestral suites, sonatas, and operas.

Today, the gavotte is often taught as a historical dance style and is enjoyed by enthusiasts of traditional dance and music. It continues to be performed in traditional costume at festivals and other cultural events in France and other parts of the world.