King Louis XIV of France is known as the 'father of ballet' and in this programme David Bintley, Artistic Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, investigates how the foundations of dance as we know it were laid during King Louis' reign. 　　Meeting world experts, Bintley uncovers the critical social and cultural role ballet had, not only in Louis XIV's French court but also in the political power-play across 17th-century Europe. The film also follows Bintley as he choreographs a brand-new contemporary ballet: The King Dances, inspired by Louis XIV and based on one of the most seminal works of dance in history: Le Ballet de la Nuit. 　　Featuring stunning locations both in England and France, and blending specially shot dance sequences with insightful historical documentary, The King Who Invented Ballet brings to light the 300-year-old legacy of the Sun King himself: Louis XIV.