When I first walked into the home of the Joffrey Ballet, 10 E Randolph, the first dancers I saw weren't leaping effortlessly through the air. The first were two Joffrey dancers & friends sharing a cigarette out front. I wasn't sure to be more surprised that the physically ideal dancers were smokers or that in a world as competitive as ballet, dancers still manage to find friendship.
As I entered studio A for a typical Joffrey rehearsal day. Everyone was choosing their favorite place along the barre. Most of them looking for that ideal spot next to their friends, so that they can joke and giggle between warm ups. While others chose a corner where they can be completely absorbed in the exercises, their faces revealing only confidence and concentration.
I found myself drifting between the two mindsets as my art threaded with theirs. The social ones striking silly poses for me. I acknowledged them with a quick click of the shutter, grateful for what I took as a sign of their acceptance of me.
It was the more reserved dancers I found myself most interested in though, often mimicking their body language to put them at ease. Their concentration on their craft (and complete lack of interest in me ) allowing me to get close with camera in hand.
This closeness and acceptance continued throughout my time with Joffrey. I watched dancers soaring and twirling and lifting each other over and over and over again. Each time fiercely observing themselves in the mirrored walls for any imperfections. I observed this and found myself doing the same with the little mirror hanging around my neck, grinding my teeth every time I messed up a shot.I felt a kinship with them.
It was a thrill to take images of them performing fantastic feats of strength and endurance. But I found the moments where they were exhausted on the floor, taping their damaged toes, or enjoying each others company to be just as rewarding. Seeing them as interesting and friendly people made seeing them as performers all the more enthralling.
-Lenny Gilmore ( May 2013 )
Dancer Jacqueline Moscicke relaxes toward the end of a rehearsal for the opening night of 'Othello' at the Auditorium Theatre ( 50 E. Pkwy ) on April 24, 2013.
Joffrey ballet dancer Lucas Segovia
Dancer Jacqueline Moscicke relaxes toward the end of a rehearsal for the opening night of 'Othello' at the Auditorium Theatre ( 50 E. Pkwy ) on April 24, 2013.
Members of the Children's Division of the Joffrey Academy of Dance watch Joffrey's company dancers rehearse
Following a wonderfully intense and exhaustive pas de duex rehearsal that recieved an enthusiastic ovation from the rest of the company Joffrey ballet dancer Victoria Jaiani is comforted by fellow dancer Fabrice Calmels while experiencing fleeting pain in her foot
Dancer Jacqueline Moscicke relaxes toward the end of a rehearsal for the opening night of 'Othello' at the Auditorium Theatre ( 50 E. Pkwy ) on April 24, 2013.
Joffrey dancer Dara Holmes stains her ballet shoes to match her skin color. Holmes is one of two female African-American members of the Joffrey Ballet and said that the distinction has drawn the attention of some young ballerinas and Joffrey fans who tell her that she inspires them.
