As a centuries old slow dance originating in what is today Central America, the sarabande is a beautifully crafted performance dance that remains a popular choice today. Here is some background on the history of the sarabande, as well as a few of the distinguishing characteristics that have kept this dance so popular for so long.

One of the first mentions in recorded history of the sarabande was in 1539. Referred to as the zarabanda in a poem composed by Fernando Guzman Mexia, the triple meter construction of the dance was apparently already gaining popularity among the Spanish colonists in the New World. As Spanish nationals began to travel back and forth between the colonies and the Spanish court, sarabandes found their way into the culture of the homeland.

Considered to be an extremely erotic dance by many, the sarabande was actually banned in 1583, considered to be too obscene for polite company. However, mentions of sarabande music and sarabande dancing continued to show up in the popular writings of the day.

By the Baroque period, the sarabande was beginning to experience a resurgence of sorts, finding its way into instrumental suites of the period, as well as the popular dance movements that accompanied the compositions. However, the sarabande of this era was not exactly like the old days, in that the triple meter was slowed down a great deal. This brought the sarabande more in line with the purportedly more sedate and dignified concepts of European sensibilities, and provided a means for the sarabande to be interpreted for a new age.

A strong return of the faster tempo sarabande came to pass during the 20th century, with much credit for the revival attributed to such able composers as Satie and Debussy. Restored to its full glory, the revived sarabande and the accompanying moves of sarabande dancers provided a treat for enthusiasts of Spanish music and culture, as well as bringing some romance back into the fine art of dancing. There were not any renewed discussions about the so-called obscene nature of the dance, although there is general agreement that the moves are certainly erotic in nature.

Today, the sarabande continues to enjoy a hallowed place as one of the best examples of Spanish dancing, as well as for the contributions the dance has made to French, English, and US culture over the years. As a great option as an exciting yet intimate dance, lovers will no doubt be dancing the sarabande for many years to come.