Trattato teorico-prattico di ballo

This manual represents one of the most important sources on dance technique for the second half of the eighteenth century and is a critical link between Baroque dance and early romantic ballet. Part one is divided into sixty sections describing various aspects of dance beginning with a statement on the utility of dance, and feet positions. The manual continues with descriptions of many steps, for example, four types of battemens, nine types of pas de bourrée, balloté, fouetté, and twenty-three types of cabriole. Also included is extensive information on late eighteenth-century grotesque style, especially important for the study of Italian pantomime. Part two discusses the responsibilities of a dancing master and manner of performing the minuet. The manual concludes with instructions for thirty-nine contradanze (contredanses), including one dance that is arranged for thirty-two performers.