The History of The Dance Class
Degas painted The Dance Class in 1874, the same year he helped organize the first Impressionist exhibition in Paris.
The ballet master leaning on his staff is Jules Perrot, a celebrated dancer and choreographer. Degas built the scene in his studio from many separate drawings of dancers rather than painting a single real rehearsal.
The painting is in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, which has released its image into the public domain under its Open Access program.
What Does The Dance Class Mean?
Rather than the glamour of performance, Degas shows the hard work and boredom of practice: dancers scratching their backs, adjusting earrings and waiting their turn.
The unusual viewpoint and cropped figures reflect the influence of photography and Japanese prints on Degas' compositions.
About Edgar Degas
Edgar Degas (1834–1917) was a French artist associated with Impressionism, although he preferred to call himself a Realist. He worked in painting, pastel, printmaking and sculpture, and over half of his works depict dancers.
Fun Facts
- Degas made more than 1,500 works featuring ballet dancers.
- His sculpture Little Dancer Aged Fourteen shocked audiences when it was shown in 1881.
- Degas painted a closely related version of this scene, also called The Dance Class, now in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
How to Wear Your The Dance Class Tee
The soft whites and pinks look lovely on a white or pale pink tee. An ideal gift for dancers, dance teachers and ballet fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Dance Class really in the public domain?
Yes. The artist died more than 70 years ago, so the original artwork is no longer protected by copyright in the United States or most other countries. That is why we can print it on our tees.
What shirt is the art printed on?
Every design is printed on demand on a soft, 100% combed ring-spun cotton unisex tee using direct-to-garment printing, so the ink becomes part of the fabric instead of sitting on top like a heavy decal.
How long does shipping take?
Each shirt is printed after you order. Printing usually takes 2–5 business days, and US shipping typically takes another 3–5 business days.
