 The bals publics at the Paris Opera in the eighteenth century.
Author: Semmens, Richard Published: 2004 While formal balls hosted by the royal family and by other members of the upper nobility in France became less frequent as the eighteenth century progressed, the popularity of dance at social gatherings was not diminished in proportion: in fact, dancing remained central to social interaction, and a newer kind of ball emerged. This book investigates the bals publics, held at the opera house in Paris. They were inaugurated not long after the death of Louis XIV in 1715, and they remained popular until the collapse of the ancien régime, offering an increasingly popular alternative to privately hosted balls. From its inception, it was a public institution, accessible to anyone who could pay the price of admission. In this study, the bal public is explored in detail. The early history and development are considered, as well as the venue, finances, and attendance, the social contexts, and the music and dancing the public ball nurtured. |
