“It feels like a really good conversation. There’s an exciting chemistry that runs through my body. Have you ever been on a really good first date? Or maybe spent hours on the phone with a new boyfriend and not even realized it was three a.m? I am energized and smitten. I am in love.”
- Tiffany
Dancing Branflake
. . . . . . . . .
Perfecting technique is something that every dancer strives for. This is how they improve and grow. While it is essential in dance, I find that it’s only part of the equation to a talented dancer. It’s only part of the equation to dancing itself.
The other part, I think, is to let go.
When I approached Tiffany for my dance photography project, I was excited because I have known Tiffany since high school, and we went through a part of high school dancing together in our marching band’s colorguard & winterguard. She is a beautiful dancer, and a wonderful soul; eager to dance, and ready for whatever I threw at her.
I asked her to dance barefoot on the grass; dance in pointe shoes on the cement. I asked her to picture herself in different scenarios; to dance for specific people in her life.
I asked her to let go.
I asked her to let go of perfect technique. Let go of how things look. And let her spirit fill the moves.
Letting go, I think, is vital to dance because it allows our true selves to come out in our dance. It allows each extension, each step, each breath, and each movement to be from something else deep down inside of us. We are no longer thinking about what we are doing, we are just doing. And from that an energy emanates from us, from our souls.
My goal is to capture that life, that energy that comes through. Because it is who we are deep in the core of us, and when we see it come through in dancing, it’s like magic.
. . . .
When I first began this project, I knew I wanted to photograph dancers. I knew that I wanted to photograph them differently than I had seen in the past. Maybe not in a completely revolutionary way, but in a way that meant something to me. In a way that would show how it felt to dance. Like what Tiffany said above, it’s much like a fantastic conversation – you feel energized, smitten and in love. I want to continue to explore this, and to share with you all my discoveries in capturing this energy in images.
I do hope you enjoy these images of Tiffany, dancing her heart out, letting go & just being. :)
. . .
Be sure, there are much much more dancers to come. You can also check out the last dancer I photographed, Emily.
Beautiful. Both the images and the accompanying words. Great job.
I love you for this! It really was a magical experience and one that I will forever cherish in my dancing heart.
these are so beautiful. I’m in complete awe.
I am so overwhelmed with goodness from this. The most significant part about it is how gloriously YOU it is. This not only reflect’s Tiffany’s spirit, but yours, as well, and immensely.
WOW. Tiffany is stunning. And between what dance is to her and your own words, I’m speechless… and in total agreement. I’m a dancer. You both couldn’t have put it better.
Cheers!
J
this made me smile wide. just what i needed for the day.
Absolutely, beautiful Susan. I’m looking forward to more… <3
Absolutely beautiful photos Susan. Just looking a them makes me want to dance .
I love this post Susan. Dance is something I sincerely love, for fun, for expression, for release. It’s as good for the soul as any laughter or music could be. Thank you for sharing.
I think there’s a saying that instructs people to “dance as if no one is watching.” I think to be able to do that – but in the presence of others – is what it means to truly let go. I liked that you asked her to let go of the perfect technique or how things look. If we all applied that to the art forms that we engage in, and just let ourselves go, I think the world will explode with new talent. :) Thanks for sharing the beautiful pics and thoughts!
I started reading Brandi’s post on NYAO and ended up here for more. This is so terrifically beautiful and so much what I have been needing to read and see today.
Love these images, they are so beautiful :)
You are so lucky to have been able to shoot her!
I wish I was able to dance like this!
The images of the sun shining behind here are easily my favourite!
http://www.clashingtime.blogspot.com <3