The first detailed descriptions of dancing in Europe date from 1450 in Italy, which is after the start of the Renaissance. However, we know that dancing was popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, for it was depicted in paintings and illuminations, and described in texts.
Forms of dance during the Middle Ages included the carol and the estampie. The carol consists of a circle of dancers holding hands, with the dancers singing while dancing. Both the carol and the estampie are also musical forms. The Christmas carol (as a musical form) survives to the modern era.
