In Mr. Gomes's showcase, Jorma Elo's awkwardly titled "Still of King, " the dancer looked ballet-classical in uncredited costuming of cream tights and crepe-de-chine "Romantic" shirt, but the classic costume design turned out to be a gag for the choreographer.
King Papa and King of the Goblin, performed by the same dancer (rangy John Welker), are costumed similarly in gold-trimmed black jumpsuits and are missing the crowns one would expect as a sign of their stations.
The emphasis on dance in French opera started with Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687), himself a dancer, who became the court composer to France's music-loving "Sun King, " Louis XIV.