Gavotte

What is Gavotte?

The gavotte is a French dance that began in rural communities and later became a favorite at royal courts. It is danced in lines or circles, with steps that include small jumps and skips. The music is steady and lively, often in duple or quadruple time. In its courtly form, the dance is elegant and measured, while folk versions can be more robust. The gavotte has also inspired many classical composers, who wrote pieces for both dance and listening.

Where does Gavotte come from?

The gavotte is named after the Gavot people from the Pays de Gap in Dauphiné, southeastern France, though some sources suggest it may have started in Lower Brittany, Provence, or the French Basque Country. It first appeared in the late 16th century as a folk dance and was soon adopted by the French court, especially under Louis XIV. Over time, it became a standard part of the Baroque dance suite, spreading throughout France and into other countries.

How is Gavotte danced?

Dancers perform the gavotte with alternating steps to the left and right, moving as a line or circle. Each sequence involves firm outward steps, drawing the feet together, and adding little jumps or skips. In the court style, the steps are precise, with some movements borrowed from other dances like the galliard. The group moves together, sometimes with figures or patterns, and the dance can include gestures such as presenting flowers.

The music of Gavotte

Gavotte music is usually in 4/4 or 2/2 time, though folk versions may use 9/8 or 5/8. The rhythm is steady, and in the 18th-century court style, phrases often begin on a half-bar upbeat. Earlier versions start on the downbeat. The music can be lively or more stately, and sometimes includes a musette section with a drone to imitate bagpipes. Many composers, including Bach and Lully, wrote gavottes for both dance and concert.

Costume and what is carried

There is no single costume for the gavotte, as it was danced both by villagers in everyday dress and by courtiers in elaborate attire. In the court, dancers wore the formal clothing of the era, which could include wigs, gowns, and suits. In folk settings, dancers wore regional or peasant clothing. Early court versions sometimes included props such as flowers.

When and where Gavotte is danced

The gavotte was danced at festivals, social gatherings, and court entertainments. In the countryside, it was a community dance, while at court it became part of formal balls and stage performances. It was also taught for social grace and appeared in theatrical works. The dance spread widely in France during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Styles of Gavotte

There are many regional and historical versions of the gavotte. In the Baroque period, it became a standard part of the dance suite, with composers writing their own interpretations. Folk gavottes in Brittany and other regions have their own steps and musical meters. Later, the name was used for unrelated 19th-century dances, but these do not resemble the original form.

What Gavotte means

The gavotte reflects both rural and aristocratic French culture. It began as a village dance and was transformed into a symbol of courtly refinement. Its presence in music by major composers and in literature and theatre shows its lasting influence. The dance has been referenced in popular culture, poetry, and even as a metaphor in other fields.

Questions people ask about Gavotte

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Gavotte on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Gavotte on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo