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Related: About this forumBallet Dancers Glide Their Way Through NYC — Naked — In Stunning Photos
Dancers just seem to navigate the world a bit differently than the rest of us.
Warning: This post contains nudity and may not be appropriate for work environments.
Why walk when you can dance? And why dance when you can dance naked? This seems to be the central question of photographer Jordan Matters book Dancers After Dark, which chronicles dancers from organizations like Alvin Ailey American Dance, Dance Theater of Harlem, Joffrey Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, and many more.
I worked on Dancers After Dark exhaustively for two years, Matter writes in the books introduction, meaning I was exhausted every week! I photographed hundreds of amazing performers in many cities and countries. It was the most rewarding creative experience of my life, and I was truly sorry to see it end.
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I was looking for a magic moment, Matter continued. Pedestrians were essential, but they had to be just right. The final shot features DePrince, nude save for a pair of pointe shoes, crossing the street with strength and defiance while an older couple looks on in the background.
Its a powerful image, and one that encapsulates the way that dancers just seem to navigate the world a bit differently than the rest of us.
More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/dancers-after-dark-jordan-matter_us_580645ece4b0b994d4c18bd7?section=§ion=us_black-voices
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Breathtaking and so incredibly powerful.
dhol82
(9,458 posts)procon
(15,805 posts)Thin, fat, tall, short, they are all works of art, wonderful creations to be admired and appreciated, and adding the glamour of ballet is like icy on the cake.
SusanCalvin
(6,592 posts)My only wish is that pointe shoes would be abolished.
Edited to add that yes, I believe you have a different feel for your body if you have had any dance training at all. And I think every kid should, at least a little.
peggysue2
(11,513 posts)Gorgeous photographs. Powerful. Beautiful.
What else is there to say? Except, the human body is a thing of wonder.