Degas and the Dancer
From Devine Entertainment Specials · 1998
56 min3rd4th5th6thArtSocial Studies
Summary
In 1870s Paris, the Impressionist painter Edgar Degas -- frustrated, short-tempered, and worried about his failing eyesight -- meets Marie, a poor young ballet student at the Paris Opera. He hires her as a model, and over long hours in the studio the two teach each other to dare to make mistakes and believe in their own work. Marie became the model for Degas's famous sculpture of a young dancer.
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Ages 7+
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A grumpy, aging painter and a young ballet dancer become unlikely friends and help each other believe in their work.
- Degas painted and sculpted dancers over and over. Why might an artist return to the same subject again and again?
- Marie was nervous about being judged. What did Degas teach her about making mistakes?
- How can you tell, just by looking, that Degas loved movement and dance?
- Is there something you practice so much you could picture it with your eyes closed?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: Impressionist, model, sculpture, pastel
- Degas showed dancers mid-motion. Strike a "frozen" pose and have a partner describe the movement it suggests.
- Name one everyday thing you see so often you could draw it from memory, and list two details you'd include.