quadrille

Quadrille is a historic social dance for four couples arranged in a square. The form originated in France from the contredanse in the late 18th century and spread across Europe and the Americas during the 19th century. The word quadrille derives from the French for a group of four. In standard practice, eight dancers form a square, with two partners on each side. The dance consists of a sequence of choreographed figures performed in a prescribed order, typically beginning with promenades and exchanges of partners, followed by a set of coordinated movements shared by all four couples. The music is usually lively and measured, commonly in 2/4 or 6/8 time.

During the 19th century the quadrille achieved widespread popularity in ballroom culture. It was taught in social-dance manuals, performed at formal balls, and often accompanied by a live orchestra. The structure of the dance and its figures varied by region, but most versions followed a standardized sequence that enabled all couples to participate in synchronized group figures.

In the modern era, the quadrille is mainly preserved through historical dance groups, period performances, and dance curricula that study 19th-century social dancing. It also influences the repertoire of some square-dance and demonstration groups.

In addition to the dance, quadrille is also the name of a historical four-handed card game played by four players, with rules that varied by region.