LECTURE: The Politics of Petticoats: Ballet in Britain after the French Revolution

The Johnston Collection (East Melbourne), 10:00am, Friday 20 November 2026
Please note access to The Johnston Collection is strictly via bus pickup from the Pullman Hotel.

Click here to book and learn more about The Johnston Collection 

In 1798, the Bishop of Durham rose to his feet in the House of Lords to denounce the pernicious influence of French ballet dancers. His eccentric attack, identifying ballet as dangerous force of political subversion, provoked an outpouring of public ridicule – and genuine alarm – amid real government crackdowns on personal freedoms.

This talk will illustrate the radical changes to ballet costuming and dance subject matter that underpinned poor Durham’s upset, and explore ballet-going in Britain after the French Revolution.

Bookings essential. Registration and payment via The Johnston Collection’s website.

TJC Members: $25.00
Non-Members: $30:00
Students: $10.00

This event is supported by The Colin Holden Charitable Trust.

Image credit: James Gillray, ‘Operatical reform, or, La dance a l’eveque’. Pubd. March 14th, 1798. Yale University Library.

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