Galop
A fast-paced ballroom dance in 2/4 time, often closing the night
Galop is a lively partner dance that became fashionable in Paris in the late 1820s and soon spread to cities like Vienna, Berlin, and London. Danced in a closed hold with quick gliding and chassé steps, it is set to fast 2/4 music and often marks the end of a ball or celebration.
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- Galop was introduced to Parisian society in the late 1820s.
- It is danced in a closed hold with gliding and chassé steps.
- The music is fast and in 2/4 time.
- Galop often ends balls and wedding receptions.
- A faster version, the can-can, developed in Paris around 1830.
What is Galop?
Galop is a quick ballroom dance for couples, named after the galloping gait of a horse. It uses a closed hold, similar to the waltz, and features gliding and chassé steps that alternate feet. The music is brisk and in 2/4 time, giving the dance its energetic, driving feel. Galop was especially popular as the last dance at balls, bringing gatherings to a lively close.
Where does Galop come from?
The galop was introduced to Parisian society in the late 1820s by the Duchesse de Berry. Its name comes from the horse's gallop, reflecting the dance's speed. It quickly gained popularity in major European cities such as Vienna, Berlin, and London. The galop was a predecessor to the polka, and a faster variant, the can-can, developed in Paris around 1830. In Australia, a version called galopede became part of bush dance tradition.
How is Galop danced?
Dancers hold each other in a closed position, as in the waltz. The basic step combines a glissade, a smooth sliding movement, with a chassé, where one foot chases the other. Partners move together rapidly around the floor, matching the fast tempo of the music. The dance is energetic, with steps alternating from one foot to the other, and the couple travels in a lively progression.
Galop, drawn
The music of Galop
Galop music is written in a fast 2/4 time, matching the dance's quick pace. Many composers wrote galops, including Johann Strauss II, Franz Schubert, and Jacques Offenbach. The "Post Horn Galop" by Herman Koenig is especially famous as a signal for the end of an event. The music is lively, with a strong, driving rhythm that propels the dancers.
When and where Galop is danced
Galop was a highlight of 19th-century European balls and social gatherings, often chosen as the last dance of the evening. It also appears at weddings and, in Australia, at bush dances under the name galopede. The tradition of ending events with a galop remains in some places, especially with pieces like the "Post Horn Galop".
Styles of Galop
A faster, more exuberant form of the galop developed into the can-can in Paris around 1830. In Australia, the dance is known as galopede and is part of bush dance traditions. The galop also inspired the polka, which became popular in the 1830s. Various composers have written galops for piano, orchestra, and stage.
What Galop means
Galop was a symbol of fashionable society in 19th-century Europe, marking the close of grand balls. Its lively character made it a favorite for celebrations. The dance's influence is seen in later forms like the polka and the can-can. In Australia, galopede is part of folk dance culture. The galop's role as a finale endures in some formal events.
Questions people ask about Galop
Where did the galop originate?
Galop began in Paris in the late 1820s and soon spread to other European cities like Vienna, Berlin, and London.
When is the galop usually danced?
It is often performed as the final dance at balls, wedding receptions, and social gatherings.
How is the galop danced?
Couples dance in a closed position, using gliding and chassé steps to fast 2/4 music, moving quickly around the floor.
What music is used for the galop?
Galop is set to lively 2/4 time music. Many composers have written galops, including the well-known "Post Horn Galop."
Are there variations of the galop?
Yes, a faster version called the can-can developed in Paris, and in Australia, a form called galopede is part of bush dance.
Good reading and sources
- Galop on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
- Videos of Galop on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Galop", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Ghungroo rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it describes the dance in outline: it is not a lesson. Traditions differ from one teacher, village or family to the next. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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