Dancers

Contemporary ballet has never been more popular. The diversity and creativity of the international dance scene are at their highest artistic and technical levels. The illustrated book DANCERS, by photographer and author Ingo Schaefer, offers an authentic glimpse into the world of dance from the artist's perspective. Through expressive images and enriched with in-depth interviews with some of the most renowned and internationally sought-after contemporary choreographers, DANCERS presents ten ballet productions from the past decade. What drives these artists, what inspires them, and how do they define success? Examining the significance of modern ballet in today's cultural landscape and exploring the impact of current political, social, and ecological upheavals on the choreographer's artistic process, the author delves into these questions through extensive conversations. By accompanying the artists during rehearsals and on stage, he captures their creative journeys in impressive photographs. In the first volume of DANCERS, style-defining choreographers such as Bryan Arias (USA), Hélène Blackburn (CAN), Bridget Breiner (USA), Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (BEL), Edward Clug (ROU), and Marco Goecke (DEU) talk about their creative work, allowing the reader to participate in the artistic process. The vivid descriptions give us a first-hand insight into how a choreography is conceived, developed, and brought to life. By focusing on the artists' personal perspectives, we are able to understand the intricacies of choreographic creation and the collaborative dynamic between choreographers and dancers.

DANCERS Volume One is essential for anyone intrigued by the dance scene. The book provides a comprehensive insight into the background of dance production and the artistic work of the choreographers. It is a rich source of information for dance enthusiasts, professional dancers, aspiring choreographers, and anyone interested in learning more about contemporary ballet.

Autorentext
Ingo Schaefer is a photographer and author living in Germany. His photographic work focuses on dance, people, and landscape photography. He studied music and American studies in Duisburg, where he concentrated on the work of Walker Evans, Robert Flaherty, and the American documentary film. For several years, he has worked with various ballet companies and choreographers on the photographic documentation of their creations. His photographic work on the international dance scene shows the creative work of innovative choreographers and dancers of our time, from classical ballet to contemporary dance. "My aim is to capture the expressiveness and elegance of the artists' works in the best possible photographic quality. In my collaboration with the artists, the personality behind the artwork is just as important to me as the work created."