Noverre and Lettres sur la Danse

In this paper I discuss some ofthe central themes present inLettres sur la Danse: the question of the imitation of nature, the formulation of a genre theory, the expressivity of the dancer, the relation between pantomime and mis-en-scène. The discussion begins with the contextualization of Noverre’s work in the reformation of arts movement in the 18th century, in resonance with Rousseau, Diderot and Cahusac’s thought. I discuss Noverre’s contribution from two parameters and its correlation: the history of spectacle and reflection about them, at a time of profound transformation of the arts. 
Author
Marianna F. M. Monteiro
Author affiliation
Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo