Ballet Dancers in the Wings 1900

Edgar Degas made this pastel drawing, Ballet Dancers in the Wings, in France during the late 19th century. It offers a glimpse into the world of ballet, a popular form of entertainment in Parisian society at the time. What sets Degas apart is his focus on the behind-the-scenes moments. He often depicted dancers not on stage, but in rehearsals or, as we see here, resting in the wings. Note how the bodies of the dancers are somewhat awkwardly posed. This was a progressive move away from traditional art. Degas seems interested in capturing the everyday reality of these performers, rather than idealizing them. This artistic choice provides a commentary on the social structures of the time. Ballet was not only an art form, but also a profession, with its own hierarchies and power dynamics. The historian can delve into theater archives, newspapers, and personal letters to reveal the complex institutional world from which Degas' art emerged.