18 Dec Danseuses

“Snowflakes.” Christmas 2012. Last night was the last evening of the ballet performance. I must confess I am saddened that it’s over. While I was merely a spectator standing in the hazy shadow of the stage curtains, in a small way, I felt I was a part of the cast. Certainly, the uneasiness I first felt standing inside the crowded dressing room is no longer there. The ballerinas have accepted me and the giant camera I wield is no longer a thing to fear. As an artist, I have always been interested in capturing the essence of the scene, the inner expression of a face, the spontaneity of the moment.

Christmas 2011. Taken today in the grand dressing room behind center stage. It is the first day of the performance and these ballerinas were going through one last routine before making their stage appearance. This was taken “street style” without looking through the viewfinder. At first glance, it looks as if this ballerina may have fallen, but in reality, she’s simply sitting down to adjust her slippers.