Versailles
Marie-Antoinette, riding astride, against etiquette, would have been proud to learn that today a select group of Amazons are dedicated to the renaissance arts of a powerful kind in the Grand Stable of the Palace of Versailles: Classical Equestrian Arts combined with Dancing, Singing, Fencing or the Kyudo (traditional Japanese archery).
Their Performance is Showing Grace, strength, connection, conviction, dedication to disciplines solely reserved to the gentleman during Marie-Antoinette’s days.
They are still today an inspiration to not only embark in a male dominated field, but to develop finesse and grace beyond dominance.
It stands for the art of war that turns confrontation into an elegant dance of guiding the offensive energy and using it to one’s goal. Balancing the yin & yang of male and female energies. Staying centered and utilizing the appropriate energy at the appropriate moment.
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Amazons of Versailles
This Series is inspired by the 2009 performance of the Academie du Spectacle Equestre at Versailles. In 2003 Bartabas revived the art of equestrian performances, much beloved by Louis XIV. The Academie trains 10 female riders in the manner of a corps de ballet, focusing on the Renaissance arts of:
- Classical dressage: the traditional art of horse training and riding.
- Fencing: Renaissance art of fencing with the Floret, Épée and the Sabre – today an Olympic sport
- Dance: integrating elements of ballet and movement with equestrian skills.
- Voice: incorporating vocal performance into equestrian presentations.
- Kyudo: the practice of traditional Japanese archery.
Classical dressage traces back to François Robichon de La Guérinière, whose teachings were foundational in the development of classical dressage, influencing courts across Europe, including that of Louis XIV. The core principles are characterized by gentle and patient work with the horse and achieving a deep, impeccable seat through bareback training on the lunge line for 2-3 years without the rider touching the reins. Techniques such as the ’shoulder-in‘ were developed to enhance the horse’s movement, increasing freedom and suppleness, and facilitating flying changes. La Guérinière’s treatise was introduced to the Viennese Court and subsequently spread to the Spanish and Portuguese Courts.
Today, there are still four royal schools representing classical dressage:
- Cadre Noir de Saumur - Selle Français
- Spanish Riding School in Vienna - Lipizzaner
- Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez - Pura Raza Española
- Portuguese School of Equestrian Art in Lisbon - Lusitano
The French School in Versailles operates at such a high level that it could easily be considered alongside the four renowned schools. However, it is relatively new, having been established in 2003.
The school is unique in that it predominantly features female riders, with only one male rider.
Additionally, the school distinguishes itself through a theatrical focus on Renaissance arts.
I have personally been studying classical dressage with my Lusitano stallion under Dominique Barbier, who, along with Bartabas, studied under the legendary master Nuno Oliveira. During a visit of Dominique Barbier with Bartabas, I had the opportunity to photograph the dreamlike work of his troupe.
The space was intentionally dimmed to transport the audience into a dreamlike state. This setting enhanced the beautiful performance of elegant riders and their stunning Cremello Lusitano stallions, executing classical dressage movements.
The performance concludes with a mesmerizing serenade, their beautiful voices reminiscent of ‚the sirens‘.
The re-bred Soraya horse, one of the earliest domesticated breeds, is showcased in work on the long rein, followed by a combat dance with the Florette.
After fully engaging in the elegant art of war on horseback, the sequence ends with a peaceful ‚engarde‘.
Swirling Series: The spectacle returns with the horses roaming freely and rolling in the arena. When the riders enter in flowing skirts, and begin to spin, the horses join the dance, galloping around the dancing riders, generating a joyful energy which I sought to capture in a painterly fashion.
As the spinning dance concludes, the riders kneel and call to their horses, which freely return to them, demonstrating a profound connection akin to dance partners.
This leads into a segment of contemplative archery, each step deliberate, culminating in the release of the arrow, reflecting the discipline of Japanese Kyudo.
As an artist, these performances symbolize a state of being, embodying grace, elegance, and the mastery of energy, requiring meticulous training akin to life itself, resulting in what I perceive as true power.
Courage with Grace
