Home » Arts & Entertainment » Performing Arts » The Can-Can was a particularly scandalous dance in the 19th century because women wore pantalettes, which had an open crotch, and the high kicks were intentionally revealing.

The Can-Can was a particularly scandalous dance in the 19th century because women wore pantalettes, which had an open crotch, and the high kicks were intentionally revealing.

Can-can

For other uses, see Can-can (disambiguation).

Depiction of the can-can by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1895

The can-can (also spelled cancan as in the original French /kɑ̃kɑ̃/) is a high-energy, physically demanding dance that became a popular music-hall dance in the 1840s, continuing in popularity in French cabaret to this day. Originally danced by both genders, it is now traditionally associated with a chorus line of female dancers. The main features of the dance are the vigorous manipulation of skirts and petticoats, along with high kicks, splits, and cartwheels.

History

Georges Seurat, 1889–90, Le Chahut, oil on canvas, 170 × 141 cm, Kröller-Müller Museum

Toulouse-Lautrec, Jane Avril Dancing

The can-can is believed… Continue Reading (6 minute read)

Leave a Comment