Royals’ interest in Ballet & Dance

[Elly C]

Thanks Somebody. I had been aware of her skills as a costume designer for theatre and film, particularly at the Tivoli Gardens pantomime theatre, but I had no idea she had specifically designed for ballet productions such as The Nutcracker which is different from dance theatre.

 

[cdm]

Thanks to Louis XIV we still have French names for ballet steps and poses.
https://cmbv.fr/en/introducing-baroque/ballet-de-cour

 

[Elly C]

More dance than ballet - some amusing photos of royals ‘strutting their stuff’ on the dance floor- check out Prince Albert towards the end of this gallery.

28 times the royals showed off their impressive dance moves - see photos

See all your favourite royals showing off their best moves on the dance floor! All the best pictures from the Princess of Wales to Meghan Markle and the late Queen

www.hellomagazine.com

A sweet picture of the Duchess of York with Beatrice and Eugenie in their tutus.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1087619378778705307/

 

[Elly C]

In 2019, Scottish ballet celebrated its 50th year. The King, ( Prince Charles at the time) as Patron, invited the Company to perform at Dumfries House and was treated to two private performances.

His Royal Highness Prince Charles celebrates 50 years of Scottish Ballet - Scottish Ballet

Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay and patron of Scottish Ballet, makes a royal visit to help the company celebrate their 50th birthday.

scottishballet.co.uk

 

[Elly C]

A nice pic of the late Queen Elizabeth with students from the Royal Ballet school along with
the then director of the Royal Ballet, Dame Monica Mason.

Getty Images

Getty Images. Find high resolution royalty-free images, editorial stock photos, vector art, video footage clips and stock music licensing at the richest image search photo library online.

www.gettyimages.com

 

[Elly C]

The Emperor Naruhito of Japan watches a performance of Giselle with Yoshida Miyako who was one of my favourite dancers when she was a prima ballerina in the UK with the Royal Ballet. She is now the artistic director of the National Ballet of Japan.

Emperor takes in ballet performance of 'Giselle' with artistic director Yoshida

Emperor Naruhito took in a ballet performance of "Giselle" by the National Ballet of Japan at the New National Theatre i...

www.ntv.co.jp

 

[An Ard Ri]

Louis XIV and French court ballets during his long reign
The Origins of Ballet - Victoria and Albert Museum

 

[cdm]

Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo’s director and choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot was interviewed (in French). It’s a very nice behind the scenes and Princess Caroline is mentioned a few times.

 

[BigLenny]

King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia taught ballet and became president of the Khmer Dance Association.

 

[Elly C]

That’s very interesting. Thank you for sharing this clip.

 

[Elly C]

A new film is to be released documenting the story behind Diana, Princess of Wales ‘ secret dance lessons

Princess Diana's Secret Dance Lessons to Be Made Into Film: 'New Perspectives and Intimate Insights'

Anne Allan's book 'Dancing with Diana,' which tells the story of Princess Diana's secret dance lessons, will be made into new documentary.

people.com

 

[Elly C]

Queen Camilla hosted a reception 75th celebration of English National Ballet ( as Patron) during which she revealed her ongoing love of dancing .

Queen Camilla playfully claims she could outdance the pros

Queen Camilla once again showed off her playful side, as she joked that she would leave the professional dancers behind with her moves after watching a ballet performance at Buckingham Palace.The 78-year-old appeared moved as she watched the South...

jang.com.pk

 

[An Ard Ri]

Though ballet was introduced to the French Court under Catherine de Médicis it was Louis XIV who founded the Académie Royale de Danse in March 1661.
This was the first dance institution established in the West.

Académie Royale de Danse - Wikipedia

Louis XIV in the Ballet de la nuit

 

[cdm]

Les Ballets de Monte Carlo will celebrate their 40th anniversary with a gala in hounour of Princess Caroline.
Les Ballets De Monte-Carlo on Instagram: "#40Years // On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the company, Jean-Christophe Maillot is pleased to invite the choreographic artists who have worked in the Company since 1985, to the Gala Evening organised in tribute to H.R.H. The Princess of Hanover. This evening will take place: July 4, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. At the end of the show, a party will be given at the venue to celebrate this exceptional event. Please confirm your attendance by filling out the form via link in bio (deadline May 4, 2026). For any request for information, please send an email to us at 40ans@balletsdemontecarlo.com -- #40Ans // À l’occasion du 40ème anniversaire des Ballets de Monte Carlo, Jean-Christophe Maillot est heureux d'inviter les artistes chorégraphiques ayant travaillé au sein de la Compagnie depuis 1985, à la Soirée de Gala organisée en hommage à S.A.R. La Princesse de Hanovre. Cette soirée aura lieu : le 4 juillet 2026 à 19h30, au Grimaldi Forum à Monaco. À l’issue du spectacle, une fête sera donnée sur place pour célébrer cet événement exceptionnel. Merci de confirmer votre présence en remplissant le formulaire dans le bio avant le 4 mai 2026. Pour toute demande d'informations, merci de nous envoyer un email à 40ans@balletsdemontecarlo.com . #BMC40Ans #BMC40Years"

 

[Angela Cliffe - Stuarts]

Such a wonderful art to patronise, the stuff of dreams and dream creation, although if I was a Royal (Lol) or a well known patron I would get to work trying to do something about dancers feet and foot health to make sure they felt as little impact as possible.

 

[Elly C]

Princess Caroline is, and has been for many years, a firm supporter of her country’s national ballet company. It’s great that this close association is being acknowledged with this special event next year.

 

[An Ard Ri]

The then Prince of Wales enjoying Samba dancing in Rio de Janeiro back in 1979!
The party Prince! What happened when a young King Charles spent the night samba dancing in Rio?

 

[Elly C]

The Wales’ children appear to continue to have an interest in ballet. I love the pic of Charlotte appearing to demonstrate fourth position.

A Sign of Princess Charlotte’s Ballet Training Was Spotted on a Recent Appearance — & Princess Diana Would Be So Proud

The 10-year-old is clearly a natural dancer!

www.sheknows.com

 

[Countessmeout]

King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia taught ballet and became president of the Khmer Dance Association.

He spent most of his youth in what is now the Czech republic, including during the early days of the Khmer regime. Though the Khmer tricked him into returning. After Pol Pot allowed the surviving family to be evacuated by the Chinese, his parents settled in China. He and his brother both settled in Europe. He taught ballet for over 20 years in France, creating a dance troupe specially to give men bigger roles in the ballet world. Also during the time he spent time as a Budhist monk.

As Cambodia is not hereditary, any member of 2 royal families can be selected to rule,as well as those exile years when the royals never thought to rule again, he had a freedom most royals, especially those who eventually become monarch, never enjoy.