...more from the ballet!
It wasn't my purposeful intention to create this image as a "homage to Degas"...but I'm very flattered by all the comparisons, nonetheless. This just sort of happened! A wonderful moment captured for all time, regardless...
Now, we share with you what all the buzz is about:
R
P.S. What a delightful way to start the blog's second year.
Can you believe it...the blog is one year old today!!!
I remember sitting at the computer for a day and a half straight while spring thunderstorms raged outside (boy...could we use that about right now {for those of you out-of-staters reading this, it's like, major drought here}) doing nothing but designing and posting and learning the software to launch what we now know as the rousegallery blog. Doesn't seem like a year...
Ummm...this should be a good excuse to indulge in a birthday cake!!
Our first image on the blog featured Nancy so we're bringing her back in honor of the anniversary. Enjoy.
R
The performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Overture of The Fairies last weekend by The Rinat Mouzafarov Classical Ballet Company and The Institute of Dance and Ballet Theater gave us a treasured opportunity to capture exemplary performances and unforgettable moments. On this final post, we relive several of those moments together.
Final portrait: Haley embodies the magic and artistry of the dance in her role as the fairy "Canari".
So much of the drama and intensity and emotion plays out backstage as well as on stage. We thought you would enjoy a glimpse into the aftermath, as well as the end of the production.
Roses presented to graduating seniors and principal dancers Brianna and Timothy (far right) on their final production with Rinat's Ballet Theater.
Rinat emerges from the cast lineup to a standing ovation at the close of the show.
Andrew (the protagonist "Lysander") and the talented Maighdlin pose for portraits backstage after the show.
Maighdlin and her Father.
From backstage, even the performance of the ballet itself takes on very unique characteristics when seen from this distinctive viewpoint:
Master Rinat directs the dancers from behind the curtain.
The incomparable students of the Ballet Theater in mid-flight.
Rinat himself captivates the packed house with the nuances of his character, Bottom, the Woodcutter.
NOTE FOR PHOTO BUFFS: Most of the scenes on todays' and yesterday's posts were captured with the Nikon D300 digital SLR at 3200 and 6400 ISO, exhibiting extraordinary results in low-light/ near total darkness...results previously-unseen until the advent of the new advanced Nikons.
As the performance with Rinat's talented ballet students gets underway, allow us to take you backstage for a seldom scene window into the behind-the-scenes action:
A fairy ballerina waits in the wings.
The fairy Puck (Alexis) awaits her turn on stage to deliver a magic potion to the unsuspecting lovers.
A ballerina catching her breath in between movements.
The character Helena (Laurel Ann) awaiting her moment to appear on stage.
On yesterday's post, we gave you a foretaste of the ballet experience with Melissa's passionate dance performance as Carabosse. Over the next several days, we are going to present a unique perspective on the ballet event...from start to finish. We'll not only give you more glimpses of the stunning performances by Rinat's talented students but we will also take you backstage for a rare view into the world of dance production. It all begins with the prelude to the event in today's post:
Prior to the performance, Maighdlin practices her routine.
Before the curtain goes up, Brianna receives some assistance from one of her biggest fans, her Dad!
Stage Manager Cherie Collins coordinating behind the scenes.
Let the show begin!!!
One of the highlights of this weekend's ballet was a mesmerizing performance by Melissa as Caraboss, one of my absolute favorite characters...and dances of the evening. You see, someone has to root for the bad witch!
A truly, ahem...bewitching performance.
R
Take your seats. The performance is about to begin...
We're on the way out the door today to do our second round of portraits in the past few months with The Rinat Mouzafarov Classical Ballet Company and The Institute of Dance and Ballet Theater. So, stand by for some spellbinding dance photos in the days to come. And don't miss this weekend's performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream"!!
