Mysteries at the Museum Season 5 Episode 10 The Dance That Seduced a City

In season 5 episode 10 of Mysteries at the Museum, titled "The Dance That Seduced a City," viewers are taken on a journey into the world of dance, fashion, and scandal in 19th century Paris. Host Don Wildman guides us through three intriguing stories that revolve around the theme of the episode.

The first story takes us to the Musée de la Danse in Rennes, France, where we learn about the legendary ballerina Marie Taglioni and her signature dance move that took Paris by storm in the mid-1800s. Known as the "pas de Taglioni," this move required the ballerina to leap into the air and perform a 180-degree turn, landing on the tips of her toes. Wildman delves into the history of this groundbreaking dance move and the impact it had on the world of ballet.

The second story centers around the infamous "Wardrobe Malfunction" that occurred during a performance of the Ballets Russes in 1917. In front of a shocked audience, ballerina Lydia Lopokova's skirt fell off during a particularly energetic dance number. Wildman explores the scandalous fallout from this incident and the lasting repercussions it had on fashion, dance, and popular culture.

Finally, Wildman takes us to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris to uncover the fascinating story behind the rise of "La Belle Époque" fashion. During this era, Paris solidified its reputation as the style capital of the world, thanks in large part to the innovations of fashion designer Paul Poiret. Wildman discusses the groundbreaking designs that Poiret introduced to the world of fashion, including the hobble skirt and the kimono coat, and how his work transformed the way women dressed in the early 20th century.

Throughout the episode, Wildman weaves together these three seemingly disparate stories with his trademark blend of historical context and engaging storytelling. Whether exploring the intricacies of ballet technique, examining the cultural impact of a wardrobe malfunction, or delving into the history of haute couture, "The Dance That Seduced a City" is a captivating look at the intersection of art, fashion, and culture in one of the world's most iconic cities.