Live Morning in a French Museum: Celebrations and Entertainment at Versailles

Celebrations and Entertainment at Versailles

Transport Yourself to the Extravagant World of Versailles: A Remote Exploration of Celebrations and Entertainment followed by a Baroque dance Performance.

Followed by Q & A session led by Véronique Vassout, Cultural Advisor at AF Silicon Valley.

Step back in time to the dazzling era of the Ancien Régime as we invite you on a virtual journey to experience the captivating celebrations and entertainment that once graced the halls of Versailles.

Versailles was a cultural hub during the Ancien Régime, known for its dazzling festivities that captivated Europe. The court offered a variety of refined pleasures, including dances, balls, gambling, comedies, operas, and concerts.

King Louis XIV transformed Versailles into the epicenter of European cultural and social life with his grand entertainments. His successors continued this tradition, adapting it to their tastes and the evolving trends of fashion, ensuring Versailles remained a beacon of luxury and entertainment.

Today, you can explore the opulence of Versailles virtually, with high-definition photographs and insightful explanations guiding you through its historical amusements.

Event Details:
Date: December 8^th, 2024 - Time: Doors open at 8:30am, Visit starts promptly at 9:30am followed by a Baroque dance Performance
Location: Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Our Guide: Philippe Maillet

Philippe Maillet has had a fascinating journey in the world of art history. He began his studies at the Sorbonne University, focusing on Islamic arts, particularly interested in the cultural exchanges between France and North Africa. He then expanded his knowledge at the School of Architecture of Paris-Belleville, learning about the protection and restoration of Islamic heritage.

After these specialized studies, Philippe shifted to a more classical perspective by joining the Ecole du Louvre to study musicology and conservation. His practical experience includes training in Morocco and working at the Antoine de Galbert Fondation, where he helped set up a temporary exhibition by Ann Hamilton. This experience with contemporary art inspired him to work in a gallery promoting young artists for eleven years.

Eventually, Philippe returned to his passion for ancient artifacts and became a lecturer, guiding diverse audiences in museums. He now works with the agency Point Parole, collaborating with major institutions like the Louvre, Orsay Museums, and Versailles Palace to reconnect society with its heritage. His career beautifully bridges the past and present, making art accessible and engaging for all.

Jennifer Meller is a musician and dancer, and enjoys exploring connections between the two disciplines. She works with early music ensembles in the Bay Area to create performances, reconstruct ancient operas, teach classes and organize workshops and events centered around 15th - 19th century European dance and music. She has taught master classes in historical dance at numerous schools and universities throughout California and works regularly in collaboration with the Educational Department of the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale and with the San Francisco Early Music Society. She is Professor of Baroque Dance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and teaches Baroque Dance classes online to students around the world. Ms. Meller became Artistic Director of long-standing historical dance company Dance Through Time in 2019. (Student photo courtesy of the SJSU Beethoven Ball)

$8 for AF Silicon Valley Members | $12 for Non members | $5 for HS Students (Contact us for more information)