Ballet Class 1889 - 1890

Georges-William Thornley created this print called ‘Ballet Class’ using etching and aquatint. Here we see a glimpse into a ballet class. Ballet, an art form with roots in European aristocratic courts, demanded rigorous training and discipline. The young women depicted here are in the midst of a stretching exercise, extending their legs while holding onto the barre. This image raises questions about the gendered nature of art and performance. The world of ballet has historically been dominated by male choreographers and directors, while the dancers themselves are overwhelmingly women. The pressure to conform to certain physical ideals and the often-unequal power dynamics within ballet companies contribute to the complexities of the ballerina's identity. Through Thornley's delicate rendering, we are invited to consider the emotional and physical demands placed upon these young women.