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Your Responses to Degas, 'Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando'

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The first thoughts that struck me about this painting were of a strong, powerful woman, whom I was intrigued to find out more about. The orange colour in the painting, and the criss-cross of the theatre's beams, gives a sense of vibrancy and motion, which makes Ms La la seem as though she is rotating before your eyes. Along with strength, there is also a feeling of vulnerability and underlying exploitation. On learning that Degas painted Ms La la in a very short time and, unusually, named the painting after her, I like to feel that there was a certain amount of respect for her, as an artist, and a woman of colour, from Degas; after all she is still famously, flying high over 100 years later!
Carl Mills

The dramatic lighting and the strong lines of the ceiling are what strikes me most. Though she is the only figure in the painting, the lighting suggests there is something happening down below we do not see. Of course it is obvious she is a performer in a circus, a high wire act perhaps. But the painter has captured her in a position in which her body continues the lines of the ceiling almost perfectly. This to me suggests she is part of something greater than herself. She is alone in this act, a duty... not a passion.
kuh del

Several decades of meeting deadlines has left me with a neurosis about time. I dash up the Metro stairway into the autumn twilight and run the last few paces to the Cirque d'Hiver. I am already late but I could have taken my time. French industry feels less commitment to the punctual delivery of its fashion shows than I do. Inside, seated on the narrow wooden bench, I catch my breath and a flood of recognition washes over me: I find myself in a familiar and well loved place. When have I been here before?

I gaze up into the painted wooden Big Top: in my mind's eye I see Miss La La, bronzed and comely, her head thrown back to catch the cotton strap from which she is dangling, holding her full weight on her strong young teeth. I gasp admiringly at her daring, the band strikes up and the show begins. But this time the girls are tall and lean and with regret I tear my thoughts away from the enchanting Miss La La.
geraldine ranson

'Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando' is realistic because the artist paints from a spectator's viewpoint. He gloriously captures the intense, heart-stopping moment, as a photographer might today, where the act reaches a peak of excitement. Degas's perspective enables us to be spectators, to sit in his seat, to see through his eyes, to be amazed and fascinated as he was when he began to sketch. It is easy to imagine the atmosphere in such a beautiful building with its splendid brightly coloured interior, and wonderful domed ceiling. There is the suggestion of great height by the position and angle of the performer thus emphasising the possible danger involved in the act, adding a thrilling element to the scene. The physical power of the woman is undeniably remarkable as a rope held between her teeth hoists her upwards slowly to the roof, and one can almost hear the gasps and cries from the audience as they watch in anticipation. The artist has selected this woman for her uniqueness, her strength, fearlessness and grace, and by creating this painting he has given Miss La La an eternal stage and a timeless audience, whom she can bedazzle forever.
Mrs. Emma Smith

i am a bird flying with ms lala....lala lala.....i can feel the excitment in my stomach, butterflies flapping inside me, i have the unpredictable sensation of wanting to fall, but only to be caught in the moment and transported into a wild field of sunflowers.
Michaela Pagoo