The aim of this paper is to analyze Plutarch’s discussion of the different kinds of ancient dance
and their meaning in the Table Talk. Besides a large section from Book 9 (question 15), all of
it concerning the parts of dance and their relation to poetry, we focus on those other moments
where different rhythms of dance are discussed. Looking beyond the Plutarchan material, we
search for the implications of this subject in terms of philanthropia and moderation, concepts
extremely important in all nine books of the Table Talk.