Courtly dance is a type of formal dance that was popular in Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque eras. The most common courtly dances are the Sarabande (8 letters), Pavane (6 letters), MINUET (6 letters), Allemande (9 letters), Sarabande (9 letters) and GAVOTTE (7 letters). The Sarabande is a slow, stately dance in triple meter, while the Pavane is a slow processional dance. The MINUET is a graceful, stately dance in triple meter, while the Allemande is a lively German dance in duple meter. The Sarabande is a slow, stately Spanish dance in triple meter, and the GAVOTTE is a lively French dance in duple meter.