Before I began photographing ballet, I had no idea how rigorous the training schedule is for pre-professional dancers. Honestly, no idea.
I quickly learned that ballet is all about technical perfection. Of course, the end goal is about a beautiful and moving dance performance. But they must be performed correctly. Perfectly, I should say. I can see that the technical aspects are not as difficult as rocket science, as one can often quickly gain an understanding of the what is to be accomplished. But performing it perfectly, now that’s another story. It takes unbelievable amounts of practice and instruction to achieve the required perfection. There is a parallel to this in many areas of life. Take photography, for instance. It’s not rocket science, either, but it takes years of corrective practice to do it well. Fortunately for me, photography is not nearly as physically demanding as ballet!
I do studio shoots for many young dance students. Their teachers or an instructor are usually present while I am photographing them, assisting the dancer in the technical aspects of dance for the photographs. We always do multiple re-takes of each pose as they seek perfection for that fraction of a second that the shutter clicks. Often, it’s multiple re-takes. Many multiples. These dancers are highly focused and serious, seemingly beyond what one would think possible for their young years. I always stand in awe of them. I understand what I am witnessing.
These are images of a few of the ballet students that I have recently photographed.
Dancer Credit: Jordan Clark, Kylee Haddock, Elizabeth Wallace , Lydia Brown, Meghan
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