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Dancing Across Borders: How Can-Can Conquered the World?
The Can-Can, an energetic and physically demanding dance, has been a famous music hall dance since the 1840s and remains popular in French cabaret today. Originally performed by couples, it is now often associated with a chorus of female dancers. The most notable features of this dance include the vigorous movement of skirts and petticoats, as well as movements such as high kicks, splits and cartwheels.
Historical BackgroundThe origin of the Can-Can is still unclear, but it is believed to be derived from the last movement of the Quadrille. The development of Can-Can may have been spurred by the juggling and acrobatic dancing demonstrated in the 1820s by the famous performer Charles-François Mazurier, who was widely praised for his dramatic splits. Can-Can was once considered a scandalous dance, and attempts were made to suppress its spread in society at the time.
In the 19th century, women wore crotchless underwear, which combined with high kicks made the Can-Can dance even more provocative and controversial.
Over time, Can-Can attracted many male students to dance in public ballrooms during the 1830s. The dance gradually gained popularity and professional performers began to emerge, although it was still performed mainly in solo form for some time. By the 1890s, Can-Can had become a full-time dancing profession, with stars such as La Goulue and Jane Avril emerging, and their performances at the Moulin Rouge were well paid.
Going global
Outside France, the Can-Can has gained widespread popularity in music halls, usually performed in a choreographed manner by a group of women. The style was introduced to France in the 1920s and reinterpreted to attract tourists, resulting in the "French Can-Can", a highly choreographed dance that can last for more than ten minutes and gives individual dancers a chance to showcase their Your own "stunts".
The high kicks and twirls that Can-Can achieved in her dance became a highlight of the entertainment industry at the time.
Can-Can made its American debut in 1867, performed by Giuseppina Morlacchi at a theater in Boston. The new dance was a huge hit, and although it fell out of favor in New York City ballrooms in the 1890s, the Can-Can is still performed in theaters in Alaska and the Yukon, Canada.
Music and Cultural Influences
Many composers have written music for Can-Can, the most famous of which is French composer Jacques Offenbach's Galop Infernal, which he composed in his opera Orpheus in the Underworld. The song composed in. In addition, Franz Lehar's opera "The Happy Wife" and Cole Porter's musical "Can-Can" are musical works related to Can-Can dance.
When Can-Can was exposed in multiple films and musicals, its influence and popularity quickly expanded around the world.
Can-Can has undoubtedly appeared in several films and television shows, including Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge. Even in Disneyland's It's a Small World ride, dancing dolls dance to represent Can-Can's native France.
Conclusion
Can-Can is an exhilarating dance that not only marks the uniqueness and diversity of French culture, but has also left an indelible mark on the global dance community. How has it continued to thrive in modern dance over time, attracting the integration and innovation of different cultures?
