Capturing Movement and Emotion: A Journey with Cleveland Ballet
As a professional dance photographer, stepping into the world of the Cleveland Ballet has been an incredible experience. I’ve been fortunate enough to photograph their productions twice so far, and each shoot presented unique creative challenges and opportunities. Working with the dancers and team at Cleveland Ballet, I was able to explore not just technical aspects of photography but also the artistry that defines this exceptional organization.
Dracula: Dark, Intense, and Atmospheric
My first session with Cleveland Ballet was for their upcoming production of *Dracula*. After speaking with the creative team, it was clear that the images needed to exude the intensity and drama of this classic story, particularly focusing on Dracula and Lucy’s dark and dangerous relationship.
In technical terms, I knew lighting would be key. We wanted to create a mood that was foreboding yet alluring, with shadows playing a vital role in shaping the atmosphere. I opted for a low-key lighting setup to emphasize the characters' stark contrasts. Using deep, directional lighting allowed me to craft bold, dark shadows across the faces and bodies of the dancers, enhancing the sinister yet romantic themes.
In terms of color, I leaned heavily into cooler tones but balanced them with strategic warm highlights. This added depth and visual tension, drawing viewers into the mysterious world of *Dracula*. The aim was to have the audience feel the power of the production before ever stepping foot into the theater. Post-production was minimal, but I did fine-tune the contrast and deepened the blacks to emphasize the drama of the images.
Walpurgisnacht: Vibrant, Joyful, and Layered
My second shoot with Cleveland Ballet was for *Walpurgisnacht*, an entirely different experience. This ballet builds on a sense of joyful revelry, inspired by the folklore of Walpurgis Night, a celebration on the eve of May Day where bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits. While the ballet itself doesn’t directly depict the events of Walpurgis Night, it thrives on the excitement and energy of the festivity.
For this session, I wanted to capture that celebratory spirit. I reinvented the studio backdrop, using multiple color layers to mimic the gradient of a sunset. A soft blue backdrop was enhanced with shades of pink, orange, and purple, creating the illusion of a setting sun. It set the perfect tone for the four dancers who posed, embodying the lively, free-spirited nature of the ballet.
Technically, I worked with high-key lighting to make sure the colors were vibrant and well-saturated straight out of the camera. I took care to balance the lighting across the dancers, ensuring that their expressions and movements were clearly visible. While much of the look was achieved in-camera, I also applied selective color correction in post-production to bring out more warmth and create a "sandy" feel, blending the celebratory atmosphere with an earthier, grounded tone.
A Bright Future with Cleveland Ballet
As a photographer, capturing movement and emotion in a still frame is always a challenge, but working with Cleveland Ballet has allowed me to push my creative boundaries. The trust they have placed in me is something I value deeply, and I can’t wait to continue collaborating with this exceptional group of dancers and artists.
From the dark allure of *Dracula* to the vibrant, joyful celebration of *Walpurgisnacht*, Cleveland Ballet has given me the opportunity to explore new depths in dance photography, both technically and artistically. And this is just the beginning.
Luca Sportelli
Owner, Luca Sportelli Creations
Dance and Portrait Photographer | Akron, Ohio
