The Dance Class is a masterpiece by the French painter Edgar Degas, created between 1871 and 1874. Degas is known for being one of the founders of the Impressionist movement, although his style is more realistic and he is often associated with realism in painting. .
When Degas painted this work and its variant, which is on display at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, in the mid-1870s, both were his most ambitious figure compositions (save for his history paintings). Some twenty-four dancers and their mothers wait while one of them performs an attitude for their examination. Jules Perrot, one of the most famous dancers and ballet teachers in Europe, leads the class in a rehearsal room of the old Paris Opera, which had been destroyed in a fire a short time before. Opera singer and collector Jean-Baptiste Faure commissioned the painting in 1872. Degas, who accepted very few commissions, worked on it off and on for two years before finally completing it.
What makes The Dance Class interesting is Degas' meticulous attention to detail and his focus on everyday life. Instead of portraying the dancers on stage, Degas shows them in a more intimate and natural moment: while practicing in a ballroom. The composition of the painting is unique in that it uses an asymmetrical perspective, giving the viewer the feeling of being a silent observer in the room.
Degas was passionate about dance and made numerous paintings and sculptures of ballerinas throughout his career. What distinguishes The Dance Class from his other works is his ability to capture the tension and effort of the young dancers. Their bodies and movements are rendered with great realism, and Degas manages to convey the dedication and discipline necessary to master the art of ballet.
The technique used by Degas in this work is also remarkable. Although he is credited as an impressionist, his style in The Dance Class is closer to realism. Degas worked in oil on canvas, but also used pastel in some areas of the painting, allowing him to achieve greater depth and richness of color in the textures of the fabrics and the ballroom floor. This combination of techniques and styles makes "The Dance Class" an especially intriguing and engaging work.
The Dance Class is also interesting for its representation of the hierarchy and the role of women in the world of 19th century ballet. In the painting, different levels of skill and experience can be seen among the young ballerinas. Some are performing barre exercises while others watch and learn. Also in the background of the painting is the ballet master, Jules Perrot, an actual dancer and choreographer who worked at the Paris Opera during the time Degas created the painting.
The work highlights the role of women in the society of the time. Young dancers were often seen as objects of desire, and many fought against exploitation and abuse. Degas, however, portrays them with respect and dignity, focusing on their effort and artistry rather than objectifying them.
The lighting in The Dance Class also deserves a mention. Degas uses natural lighting from windows at the top of the painting, creating soft, realistic shadows on the ground and figures. This gives the painting a warm and welcoming atmosphere and reinforces the feeling of observing an intimate moment in the daily life of these young dancers.
Degas's interest in capturing real life in his paintings was a major influence on the Impressionist movement. Through works like The Dancing Class, Degas and his contemporaries sought to break away from traditional artistic conventions and depict more authentic and natural scenes, allowing them to effectively communicate the essence and spirit of their time.
