In 1560, the Volta, an intimate and physically demanding dance characterized by close body contact and high lifts, captivated European high society and became a scandalous sensation. Favored by Queen Elizabeth I, the dance's popularity sparked debates about propriety and morality in social dancing. The Volta's influence on dance culture exemplifies the intersection of art, social norms, and the evolving dynamics of courtly life during the Renaissance.

The Volta's scandalous popularity in 1560 sparked a cultural dialogue that inspired both puritanical anti-dance poetry and the romantic verses of Cavalier poets. This duality reflected the tension between societal norms and the celebration of love and intellectual elevation.