Il Torneo Amoroso (Love’s Tournament)

Il Torneo Amoroso or Love’s Tournament by Cesare Negri from ’Le Gratie d’Amore’, published in Milan in 1602. Tournaments and jousts were popular noble sporting entertainments in the 16th century. Henry VIII was very keen on jousting until he was seriously injured during a tournament in 1536. This dance takes you through the stages of a tournament - the Parade, the Challenge, the Joust on horseback, hand-to-hand Combat and Reconciliation. Music recording by the Broadside Band (director Jeremy Barlow) by permission of the Historical Dance Society