Frederik and Mary dance the night away

King Frederik and Queen Mary took to the dance floor at Christiansborg Palace after a dinner for arts and culture.

The Danish Royal House released several images of the after-party at the Hall of Honour at Christiansborg Palace.

Before the dancing, a dinner was held, and His Majesty addressed his guests. Then the real excitement began on the dance floor.

The royals continued the 150-year tradition of dancing the Les Lanciers with their guests.

The Les Lanciers is held at a number of royal events, including birthday parties and evening parties. The Royal House explained: “The festive quadrille dance is a regular feature at birthdays and evening parties, which in recent years have been held for the government, the Danish Parliament and the European Parliament, as well as representatives from the world of art and culture.”

The dance dates back to the 19th century, when it became popular in Copenhagen thanks to ballet dancer August Bournonville, who taught it.

Regarding the technicalities of the dance, the Royal House shared: “The dance consists of five turns, danced by the four couples of the quadrille. The fifth turn is called the “herremøllen” and is a Danish addition to Les Lanciers.”

Earlier in the evening, the King and Queen welcomed the guests to Christiansborg Palace alongside Queen Margrethe. Their Majesties greeted their guests in the Velvet Chamber, who included people from the arts and culture sectors and the Minister of Culture.