The Pleasures of Enchanted Island: A ball to be remembered
What extremes won’t a man go to for love? King Louis XIV was so in love with his mistress, Louise de la Valliere, that he celebrated the construction of the palace by throwing a week-long party at a temporary castle. The festivities were called Pleasures of Enchanted Isle and Nicknamed; it was probably the first party Versailles palace ever witnessed.
The performance, which included multiple days of events and over 600 guests invited, was a recreation of Apollo’s chariot race, horse races, and ballet. It also featured elaborate costumes worn by the performers as well as candles to light up the night ballet. Even the King got involved in the fun and performed a ballet dance himself!