Scroll Top

The Joy of Dance

Well 2016 has found me as passionate about dance as ever and keen to add more to my portfolio ahead of the forthcoming Royal Photographic Society and Photographic Association of Great Britain distinctions for which I have applied. As ever I am capturing images in photographic and dance studios, on location and in the theatre. There is no better way to spend an afternoon than in row G of the stalls during a dress rehearsal or photo call clicking away while the drama and beauty of a ballet unfolds before you. I’ve had the privilege of photographing Les Ballets Trocadero de Monte Carlo, an enormously talented all male company from New York who dance excerpts from classic ballets with great added comedy. The ‘Trocks’ have a huge following and I was fortunate to see them twice last year

The other company I photographed at the end of January is a bit closer to home. The Bristol Russian Ballet School is run by two wonderful dancers Chika Temma and Yury Demakov. They teaches young dancers of all ages as well as offering tuition to adults. Each year they put on a major performance. This year saw their students dance Coppelia at the Playhouse in Weston-Super-Mare. The Guest Principal Dancers Yat Sen Chang and Asami Takai brought their expertise to the roles of Franz and Swanilda. Not only was it a joy to watch them but the students really enjoyed rubbing shoulders with experienced professional dancers of their calibre.

I have included an image that I shot of Celeste Williams who featured in the promotional material and in the programme, but not in the actual production as she was away! I had a great photoshoot with the beautiful and talented Jude Whitburn last autumn at the Tobacco Factory studio and have included two images from our shoot. Jude dances with the Third Stage dance Company and also teaches yoga. There’s also an image shot at Kings Weston House last year. To whoever it is in the photo my apologies as we were never formally introduced! Happy reading.

Leave a comment

7 − two =