Edgar Degas (1834–1917) is famously known as the "painter of dancing girls," having created approximately 1,500 works on the subject. Rather than just the glamour of the stage, Degas was fascinated by the rigorous work, mundane repetitions, and psychological reality of the dancers' lives at the Paris Opéra. 

Key Themes in His Ballet Works

Movement and Photography: Degas used new photographic techniques to capture bodies in spontaneous, sometimes awkward poses—stretching, scratching, or adjusting ribbons—rather than posed perfection.

Behind the Scenes: He preferred the rehearsal studios and the wings over the final performance, highlighting the physical exhaustion and the "unglamorous" reality of the profession.

Social Reality: His work often hinted at the difficult lives of the "petits rats" (young dancers), who were frequently from working-class backgrounds and subject to the predatory attention of wealthy male patrons.

Evolution of Medium: While his early work used oils, he became a master of pastel in his later years, layering colours with a secret fixative to achieve vibrant, shimmering textures.