The Dance Class

The Dance Class (1874) by Edgar Degas presents a detailed view of a ballet rehearsal taking place in a Parisian dance studio. The composition centers on a group of young ballerinas, dressed in white tutus, as they practice their steps under the attentive gaze of their instructor, the ballet master Jules Perrot. Degas captures the informal, candid nature of the scene, with dancers in various poses—some practicing, others resting or adjusting their attire. The use of soft, pastel hues and subtle lighting creates a sense of realism, while the careful brushwork highlights the texture of the dancers’ costumes and the wooden floor. The arrangement of figures draws the viewer’s eye through the room, conveying depth and perspective. Degas’s focus on the everyday moments of practice rather than performance underscores his fascination with movement, grace, and the discipline behind the art of ballet.