Thoinot Arbeau

One would think that the author of a dance manual like ‘Orchésographie’ would have been an established dancing master in Paris; Thoinot Arbeau (real name – Jehan Tabourot) was, however, a canon of the provincial Cathedral of Saint Mammés at Langres in 1547, age 27.  His dance manual was published in 1588 at Langres (under the assumed name), and he died there in 1595 . . . not 50 miles from his birthplace, Dijon.  How he came to compile such an authoritative, encyclopedic book on courtly dance.in 16th century France is anyone’s guess.  He includes tunes and drumbeats that accompany the dances as well as describing the step patterns and deportment.