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Edgar Degas,
The Dance Class (La classe de danse), c. 1873-1876, oil on
canvas, Musée d’Orsay, Paris, © Réunion des Musées
Nationaux, photograph by Hérve Lewandowski
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Most
ballerinas started their training before the age of six. Known as the "rats"
of the Opera, they came to the Opera House early every morning, practicing
all day under the strict tutelage of the dance
master. They had no time for school. When the dancers matured
and perfected their movements, they joined the corps
de ballet, dancing in the evening ballet sequences that were
part of every opera. It was an exhausting
life for a young woman.
 
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