Dance at Versailles

Thanks to the AR Studio Snapchat Paris and augmented reality technologies, the Palace of Versailles invites you to relive the art of Baroque dance. Explore four major forms of historical dance, experiencing Snapchat Lenses that bring to life the steps, gestures and costumes of court balls.

immersion in court dances with snapchat

Through this project combining heritage and innovation, visitors, whether on site or remotely, can discover the rich gestures and styles of baroque dances, as performed at Versailles in the 17th and 18th centuries, thanks to Snapchat's augmented reality.

The Lenses are accessible via the Palace of Versailles mobile application and on Snapchat. They allow you to take on the role of a court dancer, dressed in period costume and performing meticulously reconstructed historical choreographies

How can you try the Lenses ? 

Download the free Palace of Versailles app onto your smartphone. Launch the "Dance at Versailles" tour or click on the news item. Activate the camera and let the magic happen.

the four baroque dances to discover

Far from being just a physical exercise or a purely recreational activity, the "belle danse", the dance of the nobility, was an essential ritual of court life, with both social and political implications. Music, choreography and costumes obeyed a rigorous code, which courtiers learned from childhood thanks to the teachings of a "dancing master". Louis XIV himself was a passionate practitioner of this art, and introduced it to the grandiose festivities that took place at the Palace of Versailles

The King’s Ball

The Royal Ball of the Night was premiered in February 1653 at the Petit-Bourbon Theatre, a Parisian town house, in front of the assembled court. Louis XIV, who was fifteen years old at the time, played the role of the Rising Sun, Apollo, in a lavish costume adorned with gold, which is depicted here.

Comédie-ballet

Comédies-ballets were a blend of dance, music and acting. They were performed to mark significant events, and examples include La Princesse de Navarre, composed by Jean-Philippe Rameau for the marriage of the Dauphin, the son of Louis XV, in 1745. The dancers performed in costumes inspired by the reign of Henri IV (1589-1610).

Ballet

Comédies-ballets were often performed to mark significant events. La Princesse de Navarre, for example, was composed by Jean-Philippe Rameau with a libretto by Voltaire for the marriage of the Dauphin, the son of Louis XV, in 1745. The dancers on this occasion wore outfits in the “old style” inspired by court costumes from the reign of Henri IV: lace ruffs, slashed sleeves and breeches, capes, etc.

The masked ball

Masked balls in the 18th century were inspired by the masquerade tradition and afforded guests a degree of licence in their behaviour. They wore unusual, comical or picturesque costumes.

a project combining history and innovation

This project was designed in collaboration with the Palace's conservation department and baroque dance specialists from Château de Versailles Spectacles. The experience takes visitors back in time to the heart of the King's festivities. Thanks to an itinerary available on the Palace of Versailles mobile app, with four points of interest in the Gardens of Versailles, this experience combines discovery, learning and wonder, while respecting the spirit of the place.

practical information

We recommend that you download the application before you arrive and then launch it to load the tour in advance.

Partner

https://www.snapchat.com/