Dance encyclopedia

Can-can

Music hall dance presentation.

FranceSince 1820quadrilleballroom dance
Can-can
Image: Brendan from Vancouver , Canada · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

About Can-can

The can-can (also spelled cancan as in the original French [kɑ̃kɑ̃]) is a high-energy, physically demanding dance that became a popular music-hall dance in the 1840s, continuing in popularity in French cabaret to modern days. Originally danced by couples, it is traditionally associated with a chorus line of female dancers. The main features of the dance are the vigorous manipulation of skirts and petticoats, along with high kicks, splits, and cartwheels.

From the Wikipedia article “Can-can”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Can-can is associated with France and dates to 1820. Explore related traditions below or compare it with the most popular dance styles in the United States.

Related dances