The Courante is a lively dance that originated in the late Renaissance and became popular during the Baroque period. It is characterized by its quick tempo and flowing movements, typically performed in triple meter. The dance often features a series of quick steps and turns, making it both energetic and graceful. In music, the Courante is also a type of dance movement found in suites, often following the Allemande and preceding the Sarabande. Composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel included courantes in their works, showcasing the dance's rhythmic vitality and elegance.