contredanse

American  

[kon-truh-dans, -dahns, kawn-tr^uh-dahns] / ˈkɒn trəˌdæns, -ˌdɑns, kɔ̃ trəˈdɑ̃s /

noun

PLURAL

contredanses

1. a variation of the quadrille in which the dancers face each other.

2. a piece of music suitable for such a dance.

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contredanse British  

/ ˈkɒntrəˌdɑːns /

noun

1. a courtly Continental version of the English country dance, similar to the quadrille

2. music written for or in the rhythm of this dance

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Etymology

Origin of contredanse

1795–1805; < French, equivalent to contre- counter- + danse dance, misrendering of English country-dance, by association with the characteristic arrangement of dancers in rows facing each other

Example Sentences

Many sections resemble contredanse or quadrille: ballroom arrangements of circles, lines, stars; dancers holding hands as they pass.

From New York Times

This leads into the final number, a contredanse, the French version of English country dancing.

From New York Times

Two contredanse movements with idiosyncratic rhythms and instrumental colorings — and exuberant foot stomping — revealed an unexpected kinship with the contemporary piece by Mr. Andres.

From New York Times

Less than a month after mid-summer, the hour was not so much into morning, and there were some tireless votaries of Terpsichore inclined for still another contredanse, by way of wind up.

From Project Gutenberg

The strains of the orchestra who had struck the measure of the first figure of a contredanse sounded like fairy-music, distant, unreal in their ears.

From Project Gutenberg