Le maître a danser

Originally published in 1725 and reissued in 1734 and 1748 by French dancing master and writer Pierre Rameau (1674-1748), this is one of the most important sources for the study and reconstruction of eighteenth-century dance technique. Part one of the text (with accompanying full-page plates) carefully describes the appropriate manner of walking, feet positions, bows, and a large vocabulary of steps. Part two covers use of the arms while dancing. The manual was translated into English in 1728 by dancer and dancing master, John Essex.