Lttle Dancer

The Kennedy Center recently premiered "Little Dancer," a world premiere musical inspired by Edward Degas' Little Dancer Aged Fourteen.

"Part fact, part fiction, and set in the harsh backstage world of the Paris Opera Ballet, this world premiere Kennedy Center musical is inspired by the story of Marie van Goethem, a young ballerina who posed for Edgar Degas and became, inadvertently, the most famous dancer in the world. Torn by her family's poverty, her debt to the artist, and the lure of wealthy men, she struggles to keep her place in the corps de ballet–a girl on the verge of womanhood, caught between the conflicting demands of life and art."

Click here for a promotional video that captures of how the dancer comes to life.

The National Gallery of Art, in conjunction with The Kennedy Center, is also presenting Degas' Little Dancer until January 11, 2015. Along with fourteen additional works from the Gallery's collection, the exhibition explores Degas' fascination with the world of ballet through his unique style of keep observation and wry sympathy.

We love our Degas Dancer, so we're excited to see how she contiues to remain relevant and beloved in different mediums.