Little Dancer: From Outrage to Ovation

November 2014
Smithsonian Magazine

Little Dancer: From Outrage to Ovation

Introduction

Dive into the captivating story behind Edgar Degas' "Little Dancer," a sculpture that once shocked Paris with its raw depiction of a young ballerina from the streets. Initially met with outrage for its unconventional realism and materials, this piece spent 40 years hidden away before reemerging as a beloved masterpiece. Now, it's leaping off the pedestal and onto the stage in a musical that blends fact with fiction, aiming for Broadway stardom. Discover how a statue stirred the art world and inspired a theatrical spectacle in Smithsonian Magazine's enthralling article.

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Why It Matters

Discover how this topic shapes your world and future

Dancing Through History and Art

Imagine a world where art and history dance together, telling stories that leap beyond the canvas and stage. This is the tale of Edgar Degas' "Little Dancer," a sculpture that sparked controversy, vanished into obscurity, and then re-emerged to inspire a Broadway-bound musical. It's a story that intertwines the gritty reality of 19th-century Parisian life with the ethereal beauty of ballet, challenging our perceptions of art and the stories it tells. For you, this saga is more than just a history lesson; it's a vivid example of how creativity, resilience, and innovation can transform adversity into art. It shows that every brushstroke and every dance move is a step towards expressing our deepest hopes, fears, and dreams. This journey through art and history isn't just about the past; it's about finding your own voice in a noisy world and dancing to the rhythm of your own aspirations.

Speak like a Scholar

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Impressionism

A 19th-century art movement characterized by small, thin brush strokes, open composition, emphasis on accurate depiction of light in its changing qualities, and unusual visual angles.

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Sculpture

A three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining hard materials, traditionally stone or metal, but can include any material.

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Beeswax

A natural wax produced by honey bees that has been used in the creation of sculptures and other art forms.

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Armature

A framework used to support material being modeled in sculpture.

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Choreography

The art or practice of designing sequences of movements of physical bodies in which motion, form, or both are specified.

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Narrative

A spoken or written account of connected events; a story that forms the basis of a novel, play, film, or musical.

Independent Research Ideas

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The evolution of ballet in art

Explore how ballet has been represented in visual art from the Renaissance to modern times, focusing on how these depictions reflect changing societal attitudes towards dancers and the art of dance itself.

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Materials and techniques in sculpture

Investigate the materials and techniques used in sculpture from ancient times to the present, with a special focus on innovative materials like beeswax in Degas' work and how these choices impact the viewer's experience.

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The role of art in social commentary

Analyze how art has been used as a form of social commentary, using "Little Dancer" as a case study to explore the intersection of art, social class, and public perception.

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The psychology of creative processes

Delve into the psychological aspects of the creative processes of artists and composers, examining how personal experiences, societal influences, and collaboration impact the creation of art and music.

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From art to performance

Examine the process of transforming visual art into performance art, focusing on the adaptation of "Little Dancer" into a musical and how different art forms can tell the same story in diverse and compelling ways.