Where Was the First Ballet Performed?

Ballet

The first ballet ever performed was ‘Le Ballet Comique de la Reine’ which was presented before King Henry III of France at the Chateau de Fontainebleau on October 15th, 1581. The ballet was choreographed by Balthasar de Beaujoyeulx and featured a cast of 12 professional dancers. It is believed to be the first musical composition specifically written for the purpose of theatrical dance.

The ballet was a celebration of the wedding of King Henry’s sister, Marguerite de Valois, to the Duke of Joyeuse and it is said to have been quite a spectacle. The performance was composed of five sections, each featuring a different set of characters and music. There were two different kinds of dances included in the performance – courtly dances and rustic dances, which were said to represent country life.

The costumes worn by the dancers were lavish and elaborate. The women wore gowns with long trains that were adorned with gems and pearls while the men wore suits with feathered hats and thigh-high boots. The set design included props such as thrones, trees, tents, and even a fountain made from silver gilt.

The performance ended with an elaborate fireworks display that lit up the sky above Fontainebleau. Although ‘Le Ballet Comique de la Reine’ was not an immediate success – it is credited for being the very first theatrical ballet performance in history and paving the way for all subsequent ballets that would follow.

Conclusion
Where Was the First Ballet Performed? The first ballet ever performed was ‘Le Ballet Comique de la Reine’ which took place before King Henry III of France at Chateau de Fontainebleau on October 15th, 1581. It was choreographed by Balthasar de Beaujoyeulx and featured twelve professional dancers performing courtly dances as well as rustic ones representing country life – all accompanied by lavish costumes and props such as thrones, trees, tents, and even a fountain made from silver gilt!