Quadrille

Performed by four couples in a rectangular formation, it is related to American square dancing.

The term quadrille originated in 17th-century military parades in which four mounted horsemen executed square formations.

Reaching English high society in 1816 through Lady Jersey, the quadrille became a craze.

As it became ever more popular in the 19th century it evolved into forms that used elements of the waltz, including The Caledonians and The Lancers.

Its popularity made it a metaphor, the "stately quadrille", of the constant formation of fresh political alliances with different partners in order to maintain the balance of power in Europe.

Lewis Carroll lampooned the dance in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland's "The Lobster Quadrille" (1865).