We have a collection of 3 arrangements for Jacques Offenbach - Can-Can
What scandalous 19th century dance became a symbol of Parisian nightlife? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Jacques Offenbach: Master of Operetta
Jacques Offenbach and his famous Can-Can have some fascinating aspects and history:
Composer of the Can-Can: Jacques Offenbach, a German-born French composer, is best known for his operettas. The Can-Can dance is a lively and high-energy dance featured in his operetta "Orpheus in the Underworld" (Orphée aux enfers), which premiered in 1858.
Origin: The Can-Can has roots in the quadrille, a popular social dance in the 19th century. It gained notoriety in the working-class dance halls of Paris during the 1830s and was initially performed in a less provocative manner.
Provocative Dance: The Can-Can dance became known for its high kicks and skirts that would lift to reveal the dancers' petticoats. It was considered quite scandalous in its early years and was sometimes performed in cabarets as a form of risqué entertainment.
Offenbach's Parody: In "Orpheus in the Underworld," Offenbach used the Can-Can to satirize the high-society Parisian culture of the time, and it was meant to be a humorous and irreverent dance, poking fun at the social norms of the day.
Renewed Popularity: The Can-Can experienced a revival in popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the 1960s when it was featured in the musical "Can-Can," which was adapted into a movie starring Frank Sinatra and Shirley MacLaine.
Musical Icon: The Can-Can tune has become an iconic and easily recognizable piece of music, often associated with French culture. Its catchy melody is often used in various forms of media, from movies to commercials.
Choreography: The Can-Can's choreography is known for its exuberant and acrobatic high kicks, cartwheels, and splits. Dancers require significant skill and stamina to perform the dance successfully.
Moulin Rouge: The world-famous Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris, founded in 1889, is closely associated with the Can-Can. It's where the dance was often performed in its more risqué form, and it still features Can-Can performances today.
Cultural Impact: The Can-Can has been featured in numerous films, including Baz Luhrmann's "Moulin Rouge!" (2001), which helped introduce the dance to a new generation of audiences.
Enduring Popularity: The Can-Can remains an enduring symbol of Parisian cabaret culture, and it continues to be performed in various forms in many cabarets, music halls, and revues in France and around the world.
The Can-Can and Offenbach's music have left a lasting mark on the world of dance and entertainment, and they are still celebrated for their vivacity and charm.