The captivating history of Cancan Dancing traces back to the 1820s in Paris, France, a time when public balls were graced by the quadrille. This elegant dance, performed by couples to melodies from popular operas and ballets, consisted of five distinct figures.
However, a more energetic and less formal version soon emerged, primarily among men. Seeking a more boisterous form of expression, they introduced disorderly and high-spirited steps into the quadrille. This revamped dance, full of jumps and improvisations, was dubbed the “chahut,” meaning uproar or commotion, perfectly capturing its lively nature.
By the 1850s, Paris was a vibrant hub of entertainment. Theaters, comedy clubs, and public dance halls flourished. Inspired by the chahut’s energy, daring Parisian women decided to embrace this spirited dance as their own form of expression and liberation. Among these pioneering dancers, Celeste Mogador, a star performer at the Bal Mabille, became a sensation. Her uninhibited and flamboyant quadrille performances captivated Parisian audiences and quickly made her a celebrated figure.
A decade later, Charles Morton, a visionary in modern Music-Hall entertainment, introduced this intriguing dance to the Oxford stage. Recognizing its French origins and the sensation it caused, he christened it the “French Cancan.” Despite its initial success in Oxford, the dance’s provocative nature led to it being banned for being considered too audacious for the time.
Yet, in Paris, the popularity of the quadrille, now widely known as the French Cancan, continued to soar. This surge in fame was largely thanks to the mesmerizing cancan dancers of the Moulin Rouge. In 1889, the dancers from the Montmartre district took to the stage of the newly opened Moulin Rouge, astonishing audiences with their high kicks, splits, and spirited choreography. For these women, cancan dancing was more than just entertainment; it was a bold way to challenge social norms and express their independence. Some of these dancers became iconic figures, synonymous with the Moulin Rouge and Parisian nightlife. The French Cancan shows at the opulent Moulin Rouge cabaret became increasingly sought-after attractions.
The allure of the French Cancan even extended to the world of cinema. In 1955, renowned director Jean Renoir immortalized the dance and its vibrant culture in his film “French Cancan,” featuring Jean Gabin in the lead role of Danglard, a Moulin Rouge director.
To this day, the Moulin Rouge in Paris remains a legendary venue, drawing visitors from around the globe. Guests are still enchanted by the spectacular dinner shows, where they can witness the dazzling French Cancan performances. The cancan dancers, adorned in their glamorous costumes embellished with feathers and rhinestones, continue to uphold the legacy of this iconic and exhilarating dance.
