The Dance Class

Degas takes us backstage at the Paris Opéra ballet, where young dancers stretch, fidget and await correction from an ageing ballet master. He prized such unposed, candid moments over polished performance. The off-centre composition reflects his fascination with photography and Japanese prints.

The Dance Class

Edgar Degas

  • Date1874
  • MovementImpressionism
  • WhereMusée d'Orsay, Paris
  • RegionFrance