Bonfire of the Ballet Girls: Beauty, Peril, and Power on the 19th Century Stage
In the 19th century, the symbol of grace and beauty was the ballerina, in her gauzy white costume; meanwhile, the height of modernity on stage was gas illumination. The combination of the two could sometimes spell disaster for the ballerina, the theater, and the audience. In this lecture, we explore the system of poverty, exploitation, and desperation which ultimately resulted in the fiery deaths of nine dancers in Philadelphia, and dozens more around the world. Presented by Jennifer L. Green, Director of Education at the Chester County History Center.
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