Abstract
This study analyzes the traditional dances described in Chapter XV of L'Espagne, one of the most representative works of 19th-century travel literature on Spain, written by Charles Davillier and illustrated by Gustave Doré. Using a qualitative and analytical approach, based on a critical reading of the text and the cross-referencing of historical, musicological, and archival sources, the study examines references to various folk dance forms, such as the seguidillas from La Mancha, the jota, the muñeira, and Basque dances. The analysis focuses on how these dances are contextualized within the narrative, paying attention to their cultural significance and their value as a record of traditional practices. The results highlight the relevance of these depictions in shaping the Spanish cultural imagination and allow us to consider L'Espagne as a valuable source for the study of traditional dance and its heritage dimension.