Back Stage at The Ballet
Master fine art photographer Nicholas A. Price has won both critical acclaim and notable commissions from his body of work, which ranges from studies of nature and people to his recent journey into the heart of the United States Air Force. Price had been longing for some time to shoot a dance company at work, and he found the perfect match with the Sarasota Ballet last season, when the company presented some pieces not previously seen in the United States. “I wanted to show a glimpse of that other world,” Price says—the backstage one—to get a sense of “how much hard work is involved” before the staged, carefully polished production audiences see. Here are some of our favorite images from the project; to see more, go to naprice.com.
Above, the company at work on the Balanchine piece.
Above and below, Price’s candid documentary style captured dancers in moments of repose and conversation while rehearsing John Cranko’s Pineapple Poll.
“I wanted to show how much hard work is involved.”
Above and below; Ballerina Eileen Lopez, artistic director Iain Webb applying make-up; another moment from Divertimento, with David Nara and Miguel Piquer.
From shoes to make-up to stretches, every detail matters before going onstage.
Like to learn more about the ballet’s upcoming season? Make plans to attend the “Invitation to the Dance” lecture series, sponsored by Sarasota Magazine at the Historic Asolo Theater. The next lecture takes place Nov. 12. Visit sarasotaballet.org for more details.