Expositions

La construction de la féminité dans la danse (XVe-XVIIIe siècle)

(postcard booklet: €9)
1st issue published by Claire Rousier
From the end of the Middle Ages to the French Revolution, dance played a part in each stage of women’s lives. Condemned by Christian morality, it was nonetheless associated with many civic or religious holidays and performed both in towns, villages and in the King’s court. Throughout their lives women observe certain rules laid down by society when they dance. Linked with games, education, medicine and health, dance however remains ambiguous for a woman since it requires modesty and subordination while permitting seduction. The myth of the female dancer in the 19th is built on that ambivalence.

Authors: Marina Nordera, Claire Rousier

A postcard booklet in connection with the exhibition is also available; 12 cards selected among the works presented as part of the exhibition, belonging to different styles: popular or erudite, sacred or secular. A variety of images illustrate the development of femininity in dance.