After the last dance

The art of dance is to transform a powerful impulse into an act expressing ideas and emotions. But understanding how dancers achieved this after the dance is finished can be a challenge.

Paintings, sculpture and costume give us insights into styles of movement. The painted panels from the Shah’s palace in Tehran present a solo improvisational court dance, involving delicate hand and arm movements. You can also see porcelain figures that capture the swirling fabric of dancers inspired by American pioneer of modern dance Loïe Fuller.

Written by: Jane Pritchard, Curator of Theatre & Performance
Published: May 2025

Collecting Stories

Museum Number
C.89G-1971
Title/Description
Jeu de l'écharpe
Artist/Maker
Léonard, Agathon
Location
Paris
Date
1898
Materials/Techniques
Porcelain
Object information
Museum Number
C.89N-1971
Title/Description
Jeu de l'écharpe
Artist/Maker
Léonard, Agathon
Location
Paris
Date
1898
Materials/Techniques
Porcelain
Object information
Museum Number
S.455&A-1983
Title/Description
Theatre costume
Artist/Maker
Frederick Freed
Location
Great Britain
Materials/Techniques
Satin, Shoe-making
Object information
Museum Number
S.833&A-1981
Title/Description
Midas
Artist/Maker
Doboujinsky, Mstislav
Date
1914
Materials/Techniques
Cloth, Applique, Shoe making
Object information
Museum Number
S.108:1 to 2-2004
Title/Description
Theatre costume
Date
ca. 1920-1929
Materials/Techniques
Leather, Wood, Metal, Stitching, Glueing, Nailing
Object information
Museum Number
S.107:1 to 2-2004
Title/Description
Theatre costume
Date
ca. 1920-1929
Materials/Techniques
Leather, Wood, Glueing, Stitching, Nailing
Object information
Museum Number
P.21-1933
Title/Description
Woman Dancing
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Location
Tehran
Date
1800-1830
Object information
Museum Number
715-1876
Title/Description
Lady Dancing and Playing Castanets
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Location
Tehran
Date
1800-1830
Object information