Where Dance and Visual Arts Converge

For over 40 years, April 29^th has been recognized as International Dance Day, proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This date was chosen to honor the birthday of the famous dancer Jean-Georges Noverre (France, 1727–1810), considered a key figure in this artistic expression due to his contributions to modern ballet.

Dance is a highly demanding art form that requires significant dedication and physical effort. Moreover, its outcome on stage is universal, appealing to many regardless of cultural or political beliefs. In fact, dance has the power to unite because it speaks a unique language that transcends all barriers.

Dance has an innovative nature that captivates and engrosses, which is why I find it fitting to explore this topic through the lens of visual arts, focusing on works by artists who admired the beauty of dancers on stage and translated that sensitivity onto canvas and other forms.

A notable figure is Edgar Degas (France, 1834–1917), known as the painter of dancers for his vast number of paintings and drawings that depict such atmospheres. Degas specialized in capturing the movement of the human body and even turned to sculpture when his eyesight began to fail later in life.

These are some of his very distinct pieces that reflect his fascination.

Many painters from that era and today have shown interest in dance. Pierre-Auguste Renoir (France, 1841–1919) with Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette (1876), Georges-Pierre Seurat (France, 1859–1891) with The Can-can (1889), Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (France, 1864–1901) with Jane Avril Dancing (1892), and Marc Chagall (Belarus, 1887–1985) with The Ballet (1942) are just a few examples.

With a completely different style, another Frenchman, Henri Matisse (1869–1954), later emerged. His large-format work The Dance (1910) depicts a scene where five people are dancing or playing in a joyful and carefree ritual.

A little later, the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) also contributed a unique piece. Titled The Three Dancers (1925), it is surrealist and vibrant, as was typical of his style.

In sculpture, there are also several notable figures beyond the mentioned Degas. Auguste Rodin (France, 1840–1917), with his series Dance Movements C and D (1903–1912), created beautifully balanced pieces like this one made from fired clay.

In Cuba, we also have artists whose works are valuable in portraying dance through our own traditions. One example is the multifaceted René Portocarrero (1912–1985) and one of his most famous series dedicated to carnival celebrations. These popular Cuban festivals fascinated him with their rhythm and color. This silkscreen print, dated 1970, is just one example.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff