Which dances were commonly used in medieval secular theatre?

In the context of medieval secular theatre, dance was a vital component of the performances provided by itinerant entertainers, such as the joculators (or jongleurs), who integrated dance, music, and mime into their acts.12

Common dances associated with this period include:

• Estampie: A prominent courtly dance of the 12th–14th centuries, often performed by couples to the accompaniment of instruments like the vielle.3
• Saltarello: In the 14th century, this lively dance served as an afterdance to the estampie.34
• Basse danse: A dance that became significant in the 15th century, often followed by the saltarello.4
• Mimetic and Ritual Dances: Beyond courtly forms, medieval secular theatre incorporated folk traditions such as the Morris dance and various forms of sword dance, which were highly mimetic and often featured dramatic characters like the fool or hobbyhorse.1

These dances were frequently accompanied by instruments such as the harp, psaltery, flute, shawm, bagpipe, and drums. While these performances were often part of broader festivities, they laid the groundwork for the development of later theatrical traditions.51