Ballet, ballet, ballet…

 Ballerina in the frame: portrait shoot in Yekaterinburg 

Ballet is more than just dance. It is the art of flight, where extraordinary people, for a few minutes, become the embodiment of lightness and grace. But behind this apparent weightlessness lie years of titanic labor, countless hours in the studio from childhood, the efforts of ballet students, their parents, and teachers.  

I was lucky enough to touch this magical world at a master class with an outstanding photographer Daria Komarova- Дарьи Комаровой. The holder of the highest international titles in photography and a brilliant teacher shared her secrets with us.

Our muse was charmingAnFisa, A ballerina at the Yekaterinburg Opera and Ballet Theatre. Her grace, expressiveness, and inner light gave us these images—subtle, emotional, and filled with movement.

  We experimented with different techniques, used fabrics, different light sources and schemes, even tried shooting with talc, and after Dasha conducted a detailed analysis of our work and gave tips on processing. An invaluable experience was gained!   Each photo is a dialogue between the model and the viewer. Through light, angle and composition, we tried to convey what is felt on stage: muscle tension, concentration of gaze, weightlessness of posture. Ballet is not only a technique, but also an emotion, and my task was to capture it in the frame.

I sincerely thank Dasha for the professionalism and generosity with which she shares her skills, and AnFisa Anfisa — for her skill and patience. By the way, it was recently World Ballet Day! I congratulate Anfisa on this holiday and wholeheartedly wish her a light orchestra, a standing ovation and endless inspiration in this wonderful world of art.

  I also sincerely congratulate the young ballerina Sofia on ballet Day, whose photo recently won me the IAAP silver medal. I wish Sofia success in her studies and the joy of creativity!