Bonfire of the Ballet Girls
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.
This program will be presented by Jennifer L. Green of the Chester County History Center and author of Dark History of Penn's Woods. Registration is enocuraged but not required. We will meet in the Community Room.
Hours
Monday-Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 1pm-5pm
Contact Us
610-358-3445
rkreference@delcolibraries.org