Dance in the schools in 19th century Rio de Janeiro (1820-1860)

Abstract

The subject-matter ‘Dance’ is discussed with regard to schools in Rio de Janeiro in the 1820s when the first well-defined initiatives on the teaching of dancing could be traced, and in the 1860s when gymnastics was incorporated with activities related to other body practices. What were the pedagogical purposes for the introduction of dancing in the school? How were dancing lessons organized (timetables, infrastructure, contents)? Who were the teachers responsible for the classes? Rather than taking a brief look at these pioneering initiatives on body education, the articulation of several social issues with the school context is discussed. The approach will also provide an investigation on the society in 19^th century Rio de Janeiro.