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The Galliard was very similar to the Saltarelli
(Saltarello), and is very similar to the Tordion. The Galliard is a sprightly dance done in triple time, which has been referred to as "the dance with uncontrollable zest" as well as a courting dance, (competitive teasing). The Galliard is a pantomimicdance and was said to replace the Saltarello in popularity around 1546.
People watching the dance would egg the dancers on calling out to the dancers to try to make them perform or tease harder (like a modern jam.) At one time it only had five steps and was mainly composed of leg thrusts and leaps (done on the fifth eight count, was also done in 3/4 meter-arbeau). The Galliard was danced forward, backward, sideways, and diagonally. It was also the only dance to be done "Bare headed", or with the hat in hand. (The dance has been described as a type of "Cockfight").
The Hautesdances were much livelier and spirited than the Basse dances and eventually had numerous figures in which to dance. The "Gaillarde" was a lively skipping dance and as time went on the Basse Dance and the Galliard merged, which today, they are almost one in the same. The Galliard was an 'after dance' (means happening after another) and was done in 3/4 or (6/8) time and in Spain-duple time.
The Tordion was a lively and smoother 16th century court dance and was done in Black Face Minstrel shows which was derived from the livelier Galliard. The Minuet and Galliard followed the Pavane in dance order. (It used the Pavane as it's introductory dance).
The Galliard was also known as the:
Cinq-Pas: (France),
Gagliarda: (Italy),
Gagliarde: (Rome),
Gaillard: (England), [Means: "Strapping Man"] Queen Elizabeth was a big fan of the Galliard.
Gallarda: (Spain),
Gaillarde: (French) [Means: "Strapping Woman"]
Romanesque: (French) [means: 'Romantic"]
Roamine: (Italy?) | 
