Mark Twain on the "can-can".

The dance had begun, and we adjourned to the temple (1). Within it was a drinking-saloon; and all around it was a
broad circular platform for the dancers. I backed up against the wall of the temple, and waited. Twenty sets formed,
the music struck up, and then--I placed my hands before my face for very shame. But I looked through my fingers.
They were dancing the renowned Can-can. A handsome girl in the set before me tripped forward lightly to meet the
opposite gentleman--tripped back again, grasped her dresses vigorously on both sides with her hands, raised them
pretty high, danced an extraordinary jig that had more activity and exposure about it than any jig I ever saw before,
and then, drawing her clothes still higher, she advanced gaily to the center and launched a vicious kick full at her
vis_a_vis (2) that must infallibly have removed his nose if he had been seven feet high. It was a mercy he was only