Le Ballet National du Dementlieu

The Ballet National du Dementlieu is a venerable and troubled institution based in Port-a-Lucine. The most recent problems include the following: the entirety of the ballet's performers and much of its artistic direction vanished in 757 BC while touring Darkon; the adaptation of Vecheq's Raven Field for the 757 BC season precipitated a diplomatic incident between Borca and Dementlieu; and gross financial improprieties led to the institution being shuttered from 746 BC to 748 BC. Efforts to get the institution back up on its feet are, however, going well enough and it expects to be back in business for the 761 BC season.

The national ballet is heavily subsidised by the state which deems it to be a jewel in the cultural crown of Dementlieu. This funding has always come with strings. Ballets must be approved, and are subject to modification, by state censors. Well-connected, but not necessarily competent, individuals are frequently thrust upon the institution, giving rise to violent jealousies and usually harming the quality of the final product. Even the number of seats that are full on a given night is, to a significant degree, a function of government whim. The house will invariably be packed with nobles and well-to-do merchants when a foreign dignitary is invited to attend the ballet in the company of the Lord-Gouvernor or certain members of the Council of Brilliance. On many other nights tickets might as well be given away for free at the door.