Horse Ballet

Horse Ballet, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Imagine going back to the time of Louis XIII at Versailles. That's what happened at the Montreal Baroque Festival. Playing music by Lully, composed in 1686, the musicians accompanied dancers of both the human and equestrian variety. Sumptuous costumes which were from Versailles added to the spectacle.

Natural trumpets announced the beginning. These instruments have a loud enough sound to carry outdoors.



Horses were accompanied by human dancers. I was baking in the hot sun. I cannot imagine how the dancers felt in their heavy costumes, dancing on hot pavement.

The dancing was enchanting.




This rider was absolutely amazing, riding bareback without reins. Her horse did her every bidding, prancing, lifting its feet and then slowly lying down and nuzzling her. Then it got up and continued its graceful dance.

It was well worth the baking in the sun.

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