Thoinot Arbeau

Thoinot Arbeau might sound like a modern artist, but he’s actually a fascinating figure from the Renaissance! Born in 1519 as Jehan Tabourot, this French priest and writer used the playful pseudonym “Thoinot Arbeau” (an anagram of his real name) to craft his 1589 dance manual *Orchésographie*. This quirky book isn’t just a historical artifact—it’s a treasure trove of 16th-century social dance steps, music, and even tips for party etiquette. Tracks like *Belle Qui Tiens Ma Vie* (a dreamy pavane) and *Christmas Night* come straight from its pages, preserving lively tunes that still inspire early music fans today. Though he wasn’t a composer in the traditional sense, Arbeau’s work became a time capsule of Renaissance revelry, blending catchy melodies with dance instructions. So, if you’ve ever swayed to a lute cover of his tunes or geeked out about historical dance, you’ve got this clever cleric to thank!