Ballet de cour

Ballet de cour, or court ballet, was a form of elaborate performance popular in European royal courts during the 16th and early 17th centuries. It combined dance, music, poetry, and visual effects to celebrate noble events, achievements, or occasions. These performances were highly stylized, often incorporating mythological or allegorical themes, and showcased the court’s wealth, culture, and power. They were performed for royalty and aristocrats, blending artistic entertainment with displays of prestige. Ballet de cour laid the groundwork for the development of classical ballet, emphasizing storytelling through movement within a grand, opulent setting.