With the recent purchase of my new Canon 30D SLR, I have been eager to find projects that will be both challenging and rewarding as a budding photographer. Fortunately, I have the entire building of 890 Broadway (home to the ABT Studios) as my own photographic playground, complete with some of the most beautiful dancers in the world.
The staff at ABT has been kind enough to allow me unprecedented access (not really unprecedented but that sounds much fancier) to several rehearsals this week leading up to the City Center Season. I even got my own announcement on the bulletin board. “Wildlife photographer, and world class burlesque dancer, Matt Murphy will be hovering around the corners of the studio in several rehearsals this week.”
Over the next week, I will share all of my photos with you from within the studios. It looks like it’s going to be a riveting season, complete with revivals and some exciting new works. One of the most anticipated revivals of the season is Agnes deMille’s Fall River Legend, which I had the chance to photograph today. Don’t forget to buy your tickets today!
(Michele Wiles receives notes from Georgina Parkinson before rehearsal.)
(Gillian Murphy searches through her dance bag before class. That is some intricate hair!)
(Michele in the opening moments of the ballet.)
(One of the good/bad things about having someone from the company taking photographs is that the boys are more likely to misbehave. Here we have Aaron Scott, Alex Hammoudi, Thom Forster, Luis Ribagorda and Tobin Eason showing the camera some love.)
(Maria Bystrova in one of the softer moments of the ballet.)
(Maria, partnered by Vitali Krauchenka.)
(Georgina Parkinson.)
(The boys soak up the drama.)
(Michele gives some drama.)
(And more drama…)
(And even more drama.)
(That’s not to say there isn’t a little room for some corps hanky panky. Did I really just type hanky panky?)
(An arabesque to leave you wanting more!)
Many more pictures coming soon! I hope everyone enjoys them.
jolene
beautiful pics, matt! can’t wait to see more, i’m really loving the pics coming from your new camera.
speaking of gillian, i saw her and ethan on queer eye for the straight guy last night. thought i should share.
Oct 17, 2007 @ 23:23
kristin sloan
hey matt, these are great.
it really gives a good feel for what those rehearsals are like!
Oct 18, 2007 @ 00:22
Victor
Hey Matt, these are awesome! Try and get some blackmail-worthy shots too!
Oct 18, 2007 @ 01:59
Sophie B.
love the pictures!
Oct 18, 2007 @ 02:37
sandi degeorge
Awesome. I have seriousl Camera envy. I really hope you feel better soon, but I’m glad you have lots of stuff keeping you sane in the meantime. I had Mono as a teen and I discovered drawing as an outlet that didn’t take too much energy.
Oct 18, 2007 @ 02:40
Delirium Tremens
nice!
burlesque dancer eh?? does this mean we should do a duet??
Oct 18, 2007 @ 03:37
Patricio
HI matt, congratulationes for your pictures I really like, enjoy your new camera.
Oct 18, 2007 @ 03:45
tonya
Jolene — what??? Did E get a makeover?
Oct 18, 2007 @ 05:17
matthew
Thanks for all the compliments everyone! After a few weeks of having the camera I feel like I’m finally learning how to actually use it and the good pictures aren’t just luck anymore.
Delirium, of COURSE we should do duet. I’ll pull out my pointe shoes again
Oct 18, 2007 @ 07:37
Nick
BEAUTIFUL!
Oct 19, 2007 @ 02:42