The vibrant and high-kicking French Cancan, a dance synonymous with Parisian cabaret and exuberance, boasts a history stretching back to the 1820s. Its origins are rooted in the public balls of Paris, where the quadrille, a refined and structured dance for couples, held sway. Set to melodies borrowed from popular operas and ballets, the quadrille was a five-part dance enjoyed by fashionable society.
However, the formality of the quadrille was not always enough to contain the high spirits of the male dancers. Seeking a more uninhibited form of expression, men began to improvise and exaggerate the quadrille steps. This energetic and often chaotic offshoot became known as the “chahut,” a French word signifying uproar or commotion. The chahut served as a spirited release, a way to inject playful disorder into the structured social dance.
As Paris in the 1850s became a burgeoning hub of entertainment, with theaters, comedy venues, and public balls flourishing, the chahut began to evolve further. Daring Parisian women, seeking their own form of exuberant expression, embraced this lively dance. In these lively public settings, one dancer, in particular, captured the public’s imagination. Celeste Mogador, the dazzling star of the Bal Mabille, became celebrated for her audacious and spirited interpretations of the quadrille. Her performances were a sensation, instantly making her a popular figure in Parisian nightlife.
A decade later, the spirited dance crossed the English Channel. Charles Morton, a visionary figure in the development of the modern Music Hall, introduced this captivating French dance to London audiences at the Oxford Music Hall. Recognizing its French origins and the sensation it caused, Morton christened it the “French Cancan.” Despite its initial popularity and novelty in Oxford, the French Cancan’s overtly energetic and suggestive nature led to its banishment by more conservative social elements who deemed it too risqué for public performance.
Back in Paris, however, the French Cancan, as the evolved quadrille was now widely known, continued to gain momentum and popularity. This surge in fame was largely fueled by the mesmerizing performances of the cancan dancers at the legendary Moulin Rouge. When the Moulin Rouge opened its doors in Montmartre in 1889, its cancan dancers, often described as linen maids from the Montmartre district, took to the stage and astonished audiences with their breathtaking displays of athleticism and artistry. For these dancers, the cancan was more than just entertainment; it was a bold statement, a way to challenge social norms and expectations. Certain dancers became iconic figures, their names and performances inextricably linked with the allure of the Moulin Rouge. The French Cancan shows at the opulent Moulin Rouge cabaret became increasingly sought-after attractions, drawing crowds eager to witness the spectacle.
The French Cancan’s cultural impact extended beyond the stage. In 1955, renowned film director Jean Renoir brought the vibrant world of the Moulin Rouge and its cancan dancers to the silver screen. His film, aptly titled “French Cancan,” featured the iconic Jean Gabin in the role of Danglard, further cementing the dance’s place in popular culture.
To this day, the Moulin Rouge remains a beacon of Parisian nightlife, captivating visitors with its spectacular dinner shows. Audiences continue to be enthralled by the dazzling French Cancan dancers, resplendent in their elaborate costumes adorned with feathers and rhinestones, perpetuating the legacy of this iconic and spirited dance.
