Final answer:
Couple dances emerged by the fifteenth century and were sometimes seen as controversial but continued as a form of entertainment and social expression. The Dance of Death woodcuts and The Wedding Dance painting illustrate some cultural perceptions and practices of dance during this time.
Step-by-step explanation:
By the fifteenth century, couple dances had begun to emerge, evolving from the previous eras where communal group dances were the norm. This shift would lead to mainstay dances in society, although often they were considered controversial or at odds with certain religious and social attitudes of the time.
One particular example of couple dancing can be seen in the Dance of Death woodcuts which depicted a more macabre view of dancing, indicating the psychological impact of the Black Death and the association of dance with mortality in a time where life was precarious. Meanwhile, social events like weddings also it featured couple dances, such as the one depicted in The Wedding Dance painting, which despite the playful mood, had undercurrents of being seen as a social evil by religious institutions.
In contrast to these perceptions, dances continued to be a form of expression and entertainment. Whether for work-class amusements in dance halls or in high society events, couple dances evolved, and by the sixteenth century, even included specific attire, such as brides dancing with their fathers in black dresses as indicators of social status or occasions.