Reading the Wiki page describing the dance tradition and the etymology of the French word Bransle it suddenly struck a Francophile friend and I that this was also the origin of a popular French slang word for masturbation... ahem, 'shake', geddit?

It would not be an isolated case of a sexual slang word being used in a dance context, although given the age of the Bransle genre it would foolish to claim any original connection. But then I'm sure the other 'pass-time' is older still.

Therefore I give you this piece of information simply as an added dimension and to raise a smirk on your face the next time you play the tune. Everyone will wonder what you are so happy about.