Tavern Dancing

Tavern dancing is a style of dancing that has spread across the eastern half of the continent in lands both north and south of the Spine. As the name suggests this form of dancing most often takes place in taverns and inns, but really can happen in anyplace where large numbers of people congregate for entertainment. Tavern dancers are typically young, physically fit and very agile young women. This style of dancing tends to be bawdy and very fast moving.Tavern dancers usually dance on table tops, typically several long tables are shoved together to provide the dancer with stable platform to perform. Tavern dancers typically dress in a long skirt slit to the upper thigh, a halter or bodice and a thong like undergarment. These items are usually made out of silk. Decoration can be provided by embroidery or small crystals. Some southern dancers are known to strip down to just a single undergarment, but such a performance would only be seen in a brothel in the north.   A variety of women pursue tavern dancing. Some servers and inn keepers daughters perform as a money making sideline. Other dancers are engaged in prostitution and use dancing as a method of attracting customers. The best dancers are typically bards and will often combine their dancing with other forms of performance like singing or playing an instrument.   Overall, tavern dancers have a reputation for being able to take care of themselves both economically and physically. Any dancer with moderate talent can at least support herself. Dancer's are usually skilled at protecting their person, being able to deliver a well-aimed kick or violent blow with the elbow to an amorous audience member without breaking their stride. Dancer's generally carry a knife or two for self-defense and it is not unusual for a dancer to learn how to use a rapier.