What is the Fledermaus Quadrille?
The Fledermaus Quadrille is a “called” dance to music from Die Fledermaus. Everyone lines up on the ballroom floor with each couple facing either the left or right side of the ballroom, each gentleman (M) to the left of his partner (F), and both approximately six feet across from an opposite couple. In Vienna the Fledermaus Quadrille is always danced at midnight, and sometimes again at 2 AM. Although there are six movements to the quadrille, most balls dance the first, second, and sixth movements, with the major balls including all six movements. At this ball we will dance the sixth movement, which will be called by the dancemaster. What is a Galop? The Galop is a very simple couple dance from the beginning of the 19th century. It consists of a chasse (ballet terminology) or “fencing” step to music in 2/4 time. Immediately following the Fledermaus Quadrille everyone will galop counter-clockwise around the ballroom until the dancemaster announces “Reverse!” At that point everyone will g
