This dance is the simplest of the 16^th C Italian dances. It comprises a simple partner swapping sequence where the men and ladies each take turns in choosing a new partner.

The dance is mentioned several times as being one of the most popular dances of the period. For example, in his section on conduct, Caroso describes it as “more popular than any other dance”. In several places in both Nobilta di Dame and Il Ballarino, Caroso says that the dance after the one he is describing will be Il Piantone.

Even Negri alludes to this dance in his description of one of the simplest and probably most popular of his dances, La Caccia d'Amore.

Like many dances from Il Ballarino, there is a somewhat different version of this in Nobilta di Dame.

The man's introduction

1 – 8

RvL

The man begins with a long riverenza, doffing his hat, then replacing it.

9 - 12

PsL PsR

The man walks towards the ladies with two passi.

13 – 16

SgL

Continue with a Seguito left

17 – 20

PsR PsL

Continue with two more passi

21 – 24

SgR

And a seguito right

Walking passage

1 - 8

RvL

Facing a lady, perform a riverenza.

9 - 24

SgL SgR SgL SgR

The man guides the lady onto the dance floor with four seguiti, finishing in a half moon figure with the man and lady standing side by side but angled in towards each other.

1 - 8

SgL SgR

Together the man and lady do two seguiti flanking backwards

9 - 16

SgL SgR

And two seguiti turning over the left shoulder, and end up facing each other.

17 - 24

TbL TbR RvL

The man and lady facing do two trabuchetti and a riverenza. This needs to be done slightly quicker to fit in with the timing of the music, but it is still a fairly slow riverenza.

At this point the man leaves the lady to find a new partner, and the man returns to his seat.

The lady's passage

1 – 8

RvL

The lady begins with a long riverenza.

9 - 12

PsL PsR

The lady walks towards the men with two passi.

13 – 16

SgL

Continue with a Seguito left

17 – 20

PsR PsL

Continue with two more passi

21 – 24

SgR

And a seguito right

Continue with the walking passage, in which the lady will lead her new partner onto the dance floor.

Galliard

Caroso lists some galliard variations with this dance, saying that the man can do some of the passages as galliard variations if it appeals to him.

For example, instead of standing still while waiting for the lady to do a riverenza, a few bars of galliard could be danced.