Round dance
A folk-like dance in a circle.
What it means
The round dance (German Reigen) is a communal dance in which the dancers hold hands and move in a circle or in a chain. It belongs among the oldest dance forms of all and is widespread in many cultures.
Characteristic is that not couples dance individually but a group together. The movements are usually simple and repeat, so that all participants can join in. Often the dancers sing themselves as they do so — the round dance is then at once song and dance.
Related is the branle of the Renaissance, a chain and circle dance that can count as a particular form of the round dance. The round dance differs fundamentally from couple dances such as the waltz or the polka through its communal form.
In a figurative sense the word also designates a sequence in which several participants appear one after another.
In the notation
Round dances are often notated as simple songs, with a plain melody in even or uneven metre and clearly organized, repeated sections. In arrangements they appear with accompaniment and occasionally with indications of the dance movements.
Musical use
Round dances belong to the folk music of many regions and accompany festivals and customs. In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance they are documented as courtly and rural dances. In children's song and dance pedagogy they still play an important role today. In art music they appear as an echo of rural or festive scenes.
The round dance is one of the oldest dance forms: the dancers move in a circle or in a chain, often with singing. In the Middle Ages, round dances were widespread at festivals, and many folk dances go back to it. In poetry, round dance also means a chain of scenes. The round dance is documented in the German-speaking world since the Middle Ages.
Performance practice
Keep the tempo even and easy to dance to. Play the melody plainly and distinctly, so that it can be sung along with. Accent the beats that carry the dance step. And adjust the tempo, if needed, to the dancing group.