The Dancing Class facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Dancing Class |
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| Artist | Edgar Degas |
| Year | about 1870 |
| Type | oil painting |
| Dimensions | 19.7 cm × 27 cm (7.8 in × 11 in) |
| Location | Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City |
The Dancing Class is a famous oil painting by the French artist Edgar Degas. He painted it around 1870. This painting was one of the first times Degas showed ballet dancers in his art. It captures a moment in a dance class at the Paris Opéra.
When Degas created this painting, he didn't yet have special permission to go backstage at the Opéra. Later, in the 1870s, he even said he felt a bit "ashamed" for painting so many dance scenes without seeing them in person.
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What is The Dancing Class?
This painting shows a group of young dancers. They are practicing in a studio. In the middle of the picture, there is a dancer named Joséphine Gaujelin. She is waiting for the ballet master to give the starting note.
Degas often included certain items in his ballet paintings. In this one, you can see a watering can. It was used to wet the rosin on the floor. Rosin helped the dancers' shoes grip better. There's also a top hat holding music sheets. An empty violin case is also visible. Degas liked to reuse these objects and even the dancers' poses in many of his works.
About the Artist: Edgar Degas
Edgar Degas was a French artist. He lived from 1834 to 1917. He is famous for his paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings. Degas is especially known for his works about ballet dancers. He captured them in many different moments. These included rehearsals, classes, and performances. He also painted scenes of horse races and women bathing. Degas was a key artist in the Impressionism art movement. However, he preferred to be called a realist.
Where to See the Painting
Today, The Dancing Class is displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It is a popular piece in their collection. It helps visitors understand the world of ballet in the 19th century.
See also
In Spanish: La clase de danza para niños
