This dance is for a line or circle of any number of dancers. You may hold hands or not as you prefer. The dance repeats as long as the music plays.
| Count | Steps |
|---|---|
| Part A (“Peace”) | |
| 4 | Double left. |
| 4 | Double right. |
| 24 | Repeat the above 3 more times. |
| Part B (“War”) – double time | |
| 4 | Double left. |
| 4 | Double right. |
| 2 | Single left. |
| 2 | Single right. |
| 4 | Double left. |
| 2 | Single right. |
| 2 | Single left. |
| 4 | Double right. |
| 2 | Single left. |
| 3 | Kick left, kick right, kick left. |
| 1 | Capriole. |
Step Descriptions
Bransle Single
The basic bransle step is a sideways step. A left single is done by stepping to the left with the left foot, then bringing the right foot next to it. A right single is the same thing in the opposite direction.
Bransle Double
The bransle double is simply two singles done in succession in the same direction.
Kicks
Kicks in mixed bransles do not need to be enormous. To kick with the right foot, simply raise the right foot in the air and hop on the left foot.
Capriole
This is a hop done with both feet. Ideally, while in the air one would kick one foot forward and the other backward. For the truly athletic, multiple kicks in the air may be attempted.
Teaching Notes
Lorenzo Petrucci:
The movements of bransles usually match the tune of the music very closely. The music will usually tell you when to kick, or when to change from an A section to a B section.
There are no tricks to this bransle except that the B section is fast and doesn’t lend itself easily to memorization. I have yet to find any universal explanation of the pattern that works for everyone. The only way to learn it is to practice. Taking small steps and staying on the balls of the feet will help dancers keep up with the fast tempo.