Capturing the right moment with a camera in a dancing performance might be one of the hardest things to do as a photo artist. If you are a second too late, you’ll miss the magic. You need the ideal timing to release the shutter. Some never accomplished that, but Arthur Elgort has it. This becomes visible in his outstanding portraits of the world of Ballet, to which Arthur Elgort opens the curtains. The viewer is able to witness the dancers’ performances as well as unique moments in between rehearsals. These images give an insight into the hard work of a professional ballet dancers on their way to let everything appear elegantly simple. This reminds us of Arthur Elgort’s unique style in the world of photography: his work seams almost effortless, like fortunate snapshots he took while waiting on set for everyone to be ready for the real shooting.
Arthur Elgort on Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies, Nutcracker, New York City, 1978
“I started my career as a photographer at the Ballet, but there was just no money to be made here, so I turned to fashion photography.”
“I was not assigned to document the performance, however, the famous choreographer and co-founder of the New York Ballet, George Balanchine, instructed me to do so and was standing by my side when this photo was taken. A magical moment.”
Arthur Elgort
Until January 29, 2022
CAMERA WORK
Kantstrasse 149
10623 Berlin
