Melusine Wood's previous book, 'Historical Dances : 12th to18th Century', was in the nature of an introduction to the subject, each major period being illustrated by one or more typical dances.Here, dances are studied in relation to a definite syllabus, the first Elementary; the second Intermediate, and more difficult of execution. There are also helpful notes on "Angel Walking", and on the varying modes of deportment during the Middle Ages and the17th and 18th centuries.In addition to detailed instructions for the execution of the steps, there are special exercises for the development of technical ability.Among the dances described are :Samplers of basic French steps (twelfth to eighteenth century)Samplers of basic Italian steps (fifteenth century)Cascarda: Laccio d'AmoreCascarda: Allegrezza d'AmorePavana MatteiCorrenteBranle SimpleBranle GaiBranle a Mener de PoitouBranle Double de PoitouBranle de MonstirandeHeart's Ease