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Basse Dance

Dance
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A stately, gliding court dance popular in medieval and Renaissance Europe.

Detailed Definition
The basse dance, literally a “low dance,” was performed with smooth steps that kept the feet close to the ground rather than leaping or stamping. In poetry, its measured procession can suggest aristocratic ceremony, restrained desire, or the formal movement of a historical court. A poet may use the dance's quiet elegance to create an atmosphere of embroidered sleeves, torchlit halls, and lovers communicating through prescribed gestures instead of open speech.
Example
Example in poetry:
“At court they moved in basse dance, grave as candles” suggests the slow, dignified Renaissance procession; A poet can use basse dance to set a formal rhythm against sudden emotional disorder; “Our farewell was a basse dance of bows” compares restrained parting gestures to the stately dance; In a historical poem, the measured steps of a basse dance can reveal hierarchy, etiquette, and concealed desire
Additional Notes
Basse Dance, meaning “low dance,” emphasizes smooth walking or gliding steps rather than leaps. A poet may use it to create an atmosphere of courtly ceremony, restraint, elegance, or slow formal procession.
Also Known As
Bass Dance Basse-danse Bassadanza
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