Loading

Medieval English dance choreographies

John Banys1490

Derbyshire Record Office

Derbyshire Record Office
Matlock, United Kingdom

These pages (pages 66 and 67) from John Banys notebook detail how to perform a dance. There are choreographies for twenty six different dances in the book, and melodies are also supplied later in the book. The name Johannes Banys is written at the bottom of the left hand page.

We do not know who John Banys was, although he seems to have been associated with South Derbyshire families including the Shirleys and the Gresleys; it is possible he was a dancing master. The Wars of the Roses ended in 1485, so around the time when this book was written, England was experiencing peace after lengthy civil wars. There was now time to enjoy more artistic and courtly pursuits, such as music and dance.

Details

  • Title: Medieval English dance choreographies
  • Creator: John Banys
  • Date Created: 1490
  • Location Created: Drakelow, Derbyshire, England
  • Provenance: Baronets Gresley of Drakelow (D77/4/25/25)
  • Subject Keywords: Medieval, Dance, Choreography

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Flash this QR Code to get the app
Google apps