Creating Forward // December 2023

Dancers Backstage, Nutcracker Edition

I’m coming in hot, finishing up this creative project. While I haven’t published every post on time (you are welcome for not sending you an email update for each one tonight but you can find the rest here ), this did become a way of photographing for me. This project created a new habit: looking deep into art, music, poetry, and storytelling for photography inspiration. Gone are the days of browsing photographers on Instagram or poses on Pinterest. Praise be. I have dozens of paintings, sculptures, and songs in mind for photographs I’m excited to take.

Earlier this year, I had a Creating Forward piece that was inspired by Degas. As Nutcracker season approached for my daughter who is in ballet, I knew I wanted to capture a Degas-inspired backstage image. I love the backstage environment of ballet, especially during the Nutcracker. Watching the snow dance in all its breathtaking, gentle elegance, and hearing the soft tap of pointe shoes. As the dancers run offstage during a roaring applause, they go from perfectly poised to catching their breath. A behind the scenes perspective to something that took months of planning and years of dedication is a unique combination of intimate and polished.

Two Dancers On Stage, Degas

Isla is on the left, on the front of the stage. This year, she was a mini Russian dancer. This was her first year being on stage with some of the higher level, older dancers. She loved that, it really inspired her and showed her what she can work towards.

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” - Degas

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