CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Bal Baroque

Step back in time and enjoy dances from the time of Louis XIV & Charles II at the Institut français d'Ecosse on Saturday 7th June!

Bal Baroque

About Bal Baroque

The Cousins’ Ball : Dances from the time of Louis XIV & Charles II

Dances called by Talitha MacKenzie, Interval Performance by Autrefois. Live music on period instruments by Tim Macdonald & Claire Garabedian

While King Louis XIV reigned in France (1643-1715), his 1st cousin, Charles II, was on the throne in Britain (1660-1685). During this time, there was a flowering of dance and music publications in both nations and their influence upon each other went back and forth across the Channel. Although many dances from the Recüeil de contredances mises en chorégraphie (Raoul Auger Feüillet, 1706), bear a striking similarity to English Country Dances (published by John Playford), the French and British dances retain their own national flavour.

Now you can step back in time and enjoy these dances that were so popular then and continue in popularity to the present day. Experience the jubilant ‘Bonne Amitié’ (to the English tune ‘Jameko’) and ‘Matelote’ (set to a melody by Marin Marais from the opera Alcyone), as well as the Playford dances ‘Edinburgh Castle’ and ‘Mr Beveridge’s Maggot’, along with the oldest documented Scottish Country Dance ‘John Anderson, my jo’ (to a tune later made famous by Robert Burns).

The event begins with an informal run-through of some of the dances, after which there will be time for the donning of costumes and attending to make-up and hair. After an introductory bransle, the ‘king’ will open the dance with a courante (as in the famous painting by Hieronymus Janssens), followed by a mix of country dances for all Courtiers. Chaperones may be seated throughout or be called upon, occasionally, to make up a set.

An exquisite meal at Le Bistrot, with wine (or alternative beverage), will be served at 8 PM for all ticket holders. There will then be a performance by Historical Dance & Music Ensemble Autrefois, after which the programme of country dances will resume until bells at 10.00 PM.

For all who wish to prepare in advance, classes run on alternate Tuesdays at the Institut français d’Écosse from 7-9 PM and there will be a longer workshop on Saturday 31st May. Join the mailing list to receive alerts by contacting info@sonasmultimedia.co.uk.

Price: Tickets: Courtier £100 (includes afternoon dance run-through) Chaperone £85 ; all tickets include meal at Le Bistrot £5 discount for IFE & EQS Members

Duration: 4h

Contact: For more information email info@sonasmultimedia.co.uk
More information: Doors open 15 minutes before the event

Sponsored Links

Escape The Past
Hilton Glasgow
Wonder & Co
Local Motive Markets
Open Pass Scotland
The Chocolatarium
MNB

Other Events at Institut francais d Ecosse

Historical Georgian Dance Classes

Selected dates between 30th September 2025 - 9th December 2025

Join the Edinburgh Quadrille Society and learn dances from the Jane Austen / Bridgerton era at Institut français d'Écosse!

READ MORE

Coffee & French Conversation

Selected dates between 2nd October 2025 - 4th December 2025

Want to practice your French in an informal setting? Join us at the Institut français d’Écosse for a relaxed morning chat – over a cup of coffee or tea and a croissant or pain au chocolat!

READ MORE

Paris qui dort + Live musical accompaniment from Aurora Engine

6th December 2025

René Clair’s Paris Qui Dort (1924), also known as The Crazy Ray, is a mischievous early science-fiction gem that turns the City of Light into a playground for surreal misadventure.

READ MORE

Les Misérables: A theatrical adaptation by Stéphanie Goud

11th December 2025

Join us at the Institut français d'Écosse for a vibrant and heartfelt theatrical adaptation, directed by Stéphanie Goud and inspired by Victor Hugo’s timeless masterpiece “Les Misérables”!

READ MORE

Ukranian Cinema: The Editorial Office

18th December 2025

The Institut français d'Écosse is screening 'The Editorial Office', a darkly witty new film about truth, corruption, and identity in modern Ukraine.

READ MORE

The Gemstone Arias in Concert

13th January 2026

Join us for the World Premiere performance of The Gemstone Arias composed by Jay Capperauld with text by Niall Campbell, performed by Rosie Lavery (soprano) and Anna Michels (piano).

READ MORE

Screening of L’Atalante

23rd January 2026

L’Atalante was the only full-length film made by Jean Vigo before his tragic early death. The film is now considered to be one of cinema’s very greatest works.

READ MORE

Family Afternoon: Let’s play with colours

19th February 2026

Looking for an afternoon of imagination and joy? Don’t miss our Family Afternoon at the Institut français d’Écosse on Thursday 19th February, suitable for ages 3 to 10!

READ MORE

Screening of Holy Cow (Vingt Dieux)

20th February 2026

Holy Cow is an enchanting first film by Louise Courvoisier that was awarded the 2024 Youth Prize at Cannes’ Un Certain regard competition, as well as the Best First Feature film.

READ MORE

Concert with the Jen Ewan Band

27th February 2026

Fresh from supporting the legendary Bill Bailey on tour, the Jennifer Ewan Band bring their stirring and richly layered mix of compelling original songs, Swamp Blues and old-time Cajun dance music!

READ MORE

SPIRITUEUSES – Women and Whisky

6th March 2026

SPIRITUEUSES, a performance by the Âtre Collective, celebrates the often-overlooked role of women in the history of spirit production.

READ MORE

Screening of Monsieur Lazhar

20th March 2026

An Algerian professor is hired at a Montreal public school to take the place of a professor who died tragically in her own classroom and helps his students overcome their grief.

READ MORE

Children Show: Paws Up!

21st March 2026

This English adaptation of the famous children’s book by Catharina Valckx ‘PAWS UP!’ is a poetic, interactive and funny show, performed in French and English

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

WST
Children's Classic Concerts
Fayre Play
Kevin Quantum
ATG
Hostelworld
Edinburgh Dungeon

Similar events you might like...

Ceilidh in Charteris Centre

Ceilidh in Charteris Centre

Selected dates between 22nd February 2025 - 31st December 2025

Edinburgh Ceilidhs invites you to their regular ceilidh in the Charteris Centre with caller Ken Gourlay, ceilidh band and piper!

READ MORE
Historical Georgian Dance Classes

Historical Georgian Dance Classes

Selected dates between 30th September 2025 - 9th December 2025

Join the Edinburgh Quadrille Society and learn dances from the Jane Austen / Bridgerton era at Institut français d'Écosse!

READ MORE
Ceilidh Tea Dances

Ceilidh Tea Dances

Selected dates between 23rd October 2025 - 18th December 2025

Dance away the afternoon, and enjoy good company at these Ceilidh Tea Dances held in Marchmont St. Giles on Thursday afternoons!

READ MORE
Edinburgh Ceilidh Club at Assembly Roxy

Edinburgh Ceilidh Club at Assembly Roxy

Selected dates between 14th November 2025 - 10th July 2026

Come and experience Scottish dance the way its meant to be every month at the Edinburgh Ceilidh Club at the Assembly Roxy!

READ MORE
Santa’s Snowy Spectacular!

Santa’s Snowy Spectacular!

Selected dates between 4th December 2025 - 18th December 2025

Join us in upstairs in our IKEA restaurant for a holly jolly good time this Winter season! Bring the whole family in for a night full of festive fun, laughter and creativity.

READ MORE
Beyond the Rubble: Steps of Hope

Beyond the Rubble: Steps of Hope

5th December 2025

Join human rights organisation Amos Trust at the Scottish Storytelling Centre for a powerful night of music, dance, poetry, film and conversation that celebrates Palestinian culture and resilience.

READ MORE
Easy Sundays: Family Ceilidh

Easy Sundays: Family Ceilidh

7th December 2025

Come with family and friends to dance Scottish dances and sing well-known songs with the Minnow Ceilidh Band on 7th December at The Scottish Storytelling Centre!

READ MORE
KPOP Christmas with RUMI!

KPOP Christmas with RUMI!

7th December 2025

Don’t miss this unforgettable event with RUMI — where K-pop meets Christmas magic - at Wallyford Learning Campus on 7th December!

READ MORE
Annasach Christmas Ceilidh at the Counting House

Annasach Christmas Ceilidh at the Counting House

13th December 2025

Annasach Ceilidh Band invites you to their informal Christmas Ceilidh in the hidden gem of Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Counting House, on 13th December.

READ MORE

Find other events in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Escape The Past
Hilton Glasgow
Wonder & Co
Local Motive Markets
Open Pass Scotland
The Chocolatarium
MNB
WST
Children's Classic Concerts
Fayre Play
Kevin Quantum
ATG
Hostelworld
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

Castle Of Light
Make Castle of Light: Fire and Ice part of your festive plans and enjoy the largest annual projection show in the UK when it returns for its sixth year!
Edinburgh’s Christmas: The Polar Ice Bar
Take some time to ‘chill’ at the Polar Ice Bar, the coolest bar in the city, where your table, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice.
Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk
Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for the GIANT of a pantomime we've all BEAN waiting for!
Edinburgh’s Christmas: Christmas Market
One of the most iconic Christmas Markets in Europe, Edinburgh's Christmas Market returns to East Princes Street Gardens showcasing the best in artisan festive products and goods from local makers!
Christmas at the Botanics
Explore the sights and sounds of Christmas in this magical after dark experience when it returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall