Can Can Apr 2026

The dance is characterized by its high intensity, requiring significant flexibility and stamina.

: Dancers rhythmically lift, shake, and swirl their long, ruffled petticoats.

Watch this high-energy performance to see the signature high kicks and skirt work in action: The cancan, France's signature dance CBS Sunday Morning YouTube• Oct 11, 2015

: Sharp, controlled kicks, often aimed high enough to knock a hat off a spectator's head.

: Performers execute cartwheels, flips, and the celebrated grand écart (jumping splits).

: It is common for dancers to emit high-pitched screams and yelps throughout the routine.

The tune most universally associated with the dance is the from Jacques Offenbach's 1858 operetta Orpheus in the Underworld .