Capturing Ballet Legato: A Unique Photographic Journey
As a dance photographer, I’ve had the privilege to work with many extraordinary companies, but Ballet Legato, under the artistic direction of Jennifer Muselin, stands out with its unique approach to blending classical and contemporary styles. Ballet Legato is an all-female company with a bold, visionary aesthetic that seeks to make a lasting impression on the world of dance. I’ve been fortunate to photograph this amazing group a few times, and each session brought out a different layer of their artistry.
Giselle: Dark Elegance in Every Frame
One of my most creative assignments with Ballet Legato was for their upcoming production of *Giselle*. Jennifer Muselin had a very specific vision for the promotional images: dark, dramatic, and emotionally charged. The direction was clear—bring out the haunting, tragic beauty of *Giselle* while keeping the skin tones unsaturated and colors subdued. I played with high-contrast lighting, deep shadows, and minimal color saturation to capture this eerie, otherworldly atmosphere.
From a technical perspective, it was all about balancing the mood with precision. By focusing on the interplay between light and dark, I was able to highlight the dramatic tension in the dancers’ postures, creating an almost cinematic quality that aligned perfectly with Muselin’s interpretation of *Giselle*.
2024/25 Company photoshoot: Sculpting Personalities with Light
Another session that really pushed my creative boundaries was the shoot for Ballet Legato’s 2024/25 company members. Jennifer Muselin wanted headshots and dance shots that were not only beautiful but also personal, emphasizing the unique traits of each dancer. The goal was to create headshots that felt sculptural—light that defined the features of each ballerina while staying true to the company’s aesthetic blend of classical and contemporary dance.
For these headshots, I used side lighting to sculpt the facial features, ensuring each dancer’s expressions were well-defined yet subtle. The background was intentionally darker, allowing the light to almost carve out their features from the shadows, creating a sense of mystery and depth. In the dance shots, I applied similar lighting techniques to accentuate the lines and extensions of the dancers, capturing their technical prowess and personal style.
The challenge here was making sure that each photograph reflected the dancers' individuality, while keeping a cohesive visual identity for the company. By carefully positioning the light to enhance their muscles and form, we created images that spoke to both their classical training and contemporary flair. Each shot felt like a fusion of elegance and strength.
Creating an Artistic Collaboration
Working with Ballet Legato has been a true collaboration between photographer and dancers, each shoot reflecting both their artistic vision and mine. From dramatic production images to carefully crafted headshots, every project with them has allowed me to explore new technical and creative depths. Jennifer Muselin’s vision for Ballet Legato is a unique blend of emotion, power, and grace, and capturing that through my lens has been an incredibly fulfilling experience.
If you're looking for striking, memorable dance photography that captures the essence of both classical beauty and modern artistry, I would love to bring that vision to life for your company.
Luca Sportelli
owner of Luca Sportelli Creations,
Dance and Portrait Photographer based in Akron, OH
