The book begins by introducing the core concepts of royal patronage and dance, then traces ballet's development from the Italian Renaissance to its establishment in the French court. It broadens its scope to include case studies from Asian and African royal traditions, examining varied patronage systems and artistic innovations.
By using primary sources like royal decrees and costume designs, alongside secondary scholarly articles, the book offers a multifaceted view of the subject.
The book concludes by discussing the enduring impact of royal influence on modern dance, highlighting how historical traditions resonate in contemporary performance and choreography, presenting a fresh perspective on power dynamics and artistic expression.