Hello Friends!

Yesterday I received a small paperback book I ordered called “Degas Drawings of Dancers-47  Plates” that was published by Dover Publications, Inc., in 1999. The book is 44 pages, because three pages have two small plates on each one.

There is a one-page Publisher’s Note about Degas written by Kathy Casey at the beginning. Then each page is one sketch (or two) of his ballerinas.

This ballerina that I copied is on the cover as well as page four. It is called “Young Dancer in Fifth Position.” It originally measured 17.5 x 12 in. and was drawn (ca. 1878-80.)

In case you aren’t familiar with 5th Position in ballet, here is a definition:  Fifth Position in ballet is a position of the legs and feet where one foot is placed in front of the other, with the toes of the front foot aligned with the heel of the back foot.

I took ballet in my 30’s, but not long enough to be able to stand like that! It is amazing to me that anyone can! I enjoyed it very much, but it became expensive at the time, and the teacher I had was not teaching any other adults then, so I was in a class with teens and a couple of middle-school girls! But they were all sweet and encouraging. The teacher was strict, though! Anyway, those are fond memories for me. I think this is another reason I enjoy drawing ballerinas so much!

Have a wonderful day and give someone you love a big hug! 😀