Mastro da Ballo

This manual offers a practical, three-part instructional system for social and theatrical dance, cataloguing rules, numbered tables of figures, and step-by-step directions for footwork, cadences, leaps, turns and various passeggi. It defines many specific movements and their variants—including strisciate, capriole, cambiata and diverse cadenze—gives sequencing for stationary and traveling figures, and notes use of props in more solemn dances. Guidance on partner etiquette, bows and invitations accompanies technical instruction, and the text records referenced illustrations that are not present in the surviving transcription.