"THE CAMARGO DANCE" OR CAMARGO?
...Nicolas Lancret's "Dancer Camargo." That is how I once read the title of this painting in my childhood. I was convinced that the painting depicted a dancer performing, perhaps an ancient, once-popular, and probably Spanish (judging by the colorful name) dance called the "camargo."
Time passed, and all the mistakes of childhood ignorance were corrected. Although fashion and even Spain did find their place in this story.
Before us is the graceful, poetic, and intimate portrait of Marie-Anne de Camargo. Her father, of Spanish origin, realized very early that his daughter was a very talented dancer, and the art of ballet became Marie-Anne's life and her path to success.
THE REVOLUTIONARY 20 CENTIMETERS
It was talent, skill, and inspiration, rather than title, status, or even beauty, that made her one of the most famous and influential women in Paris. Also, courage. And, probably, a touch of adventurousness.
The famous Voltaire, one of Camargo's admirers, bestowed upon her a compliment that seems strange in our time. He said: **«She was the first to equal men in dance!»**
Voltaire forgot to add that in this competition with men in the art of ballet, our heroine was at a disadvantage. After all, men did not have to gather and lift a lush skirt of expensive and heavy fabric during pirouettes and steps.
The skirt itself became Camargo's most stubborn enemy. And she shortened it. **By a revolutionary 20! centimeters.**
- **Scandal:** The public was divided between those who accused Camargo of immorality: "She publicly displayed her legs!" and those who admired, enthused, and applauded.
- **Fashion:** The ballerina's fame soared! "À la Camargo" shoes came into fashion among court ladies.
- **Fashion Victim:** Her shoemaker became the most sought-after in Paris (a "fashion victim," said with a smile).
THE CULMINATION: THE POWER OF ART AND LIGHTNESS
Night, moon, a young man in love, a guitar, a beauty, and a song-confession—this is the image our imagination paints when talking about the musical genre of the serenade. But! It was not always and not necessarily like this.
In the absence of musical abilities in our imaginary suitor, he could hire a singer or even an entire ensemble of musicians. And the city streets would begin to resonate with a romantic open-air concert in honor of love and beauty. **So, modern gentlemen have something to learn!**
THE FINAL CHORD: JOSEPH HAYDN - SERENADE
Musical Accompaniment:
Joseph Haydn "Serenade" from the F major Quartet