Volta (dance)

Its main figure consisted of a turn and lift in a sort of closed position, which could be done either to the right or to the left.

[1] Although the dance was known at the court of Elizabeth I, the popular notion (much portrayed in film and television) that Elizabeth and her favourite Lord Robert Dudley regularly performed the volta has been repudiated.

[2] Detailed instructions for voltas were written by Thoinot Arbeau; some brief notes appear in MS Douce 280.

The turn is repeated ad lib for several measures, and then the galliard is resumed in an open position.

The volta is more similar to the polska, though there again the differences remain large.

Despite its mocking title, Queen Elizabeth I Dancing with Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester , this painting of the lavolta is from the French Valois school and depicts unknown dancers. It is currently in Penshurst Place in Kent.