What is Can Can? 

The Can Can is a high-energy, physically demanding dance that became a popular music-hall dance in the 1840s, continuing in popularity in French cabaret to this day. It is associated with a chorus line of female dancers.The main features of the dance are the vigorous manipulation of skirts and petticoats, along with high kicks, splits, and cartwheels. Dancers are known to exclaim high pitched squeals like "yip" and "wee!" to get the crowd excited. 

Many associate can can dance with the Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris, and the 2001 film of the same name.

While can can costuming can vary, it is typical to see dancers use skirts that have layers of ruffles underneath, corsets, fishnet tights, and hair feathers. Can can may be presented in the French cabaret style, or in the American Western style as an adaptation of wild west Saloon dancing.