King Louis XIV Was a Ballet Dancer

What does a monarch do for entertainment? There aren't many monarchies in the world, and those that exist are very strictly regulated, making it appear as though everything the public learns has been checked and approved in advance. As a result, we are aware that the Queen of England adores corgis. She enjoyed riding horses when she was little. Additionally, it appears that she enjoys gardening and stamp collecting.

King Louis XIV of France in the 17th century was a man who enjoyed hobbies, but he had a specific one. The King was an enthusiastic and accomplished ballerina. He was reported to have performed several well-known ballets during his reign and to have had many others staged for his amusement and the enjoyment of his guests.

The King of France, who ruled during one of its most affluent eras, made his stage debut at the age of 15 as the god Apollo in the ballet Le Ballet de la Nuit. This is where the moniker Sun King, by which he is still known today, comes from.

Born: 5 September 1638

Died: 1 September 1715 (aged 76)