Historic Ballet Training at Washington Square, 1915-1920

This photograph captures a moment in ballet education between 1915 and 1920 in Washington Square. It features a group of students engaged in their training at a ballet school, highlighting the importance of dance in the cultural fabric of early 20th-century America. During this time, ballet was gaining popularity in the United States, with schools emerging across the country to nurture talent and cultivate appreciation for the art form.

Washington Square, known for its vibrant artistic community, provided a fitting backdrop for this gathering of aspiring performers. The image serves as a historical document, showcasing not only the dedication of these young dancers but also reflecting broader societal changes, as ballet became more accessible to the public and began to influence American culture.