Ballet Photography: North Carolina Dance Theatre (NCDT)

The North Carolina Dance Theatre (NCDT) kicks off its 2009-2010 season with Ballet, Ballroom & Bluegrass and I got the opportunity to photograph the dress rehearsal Wednesday night in the Belk Theater in Charlotte.

The eclectic show includes Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s Shindig, featuring live bluegrass music from Asheville’s The Greasy Beans. Twyla Tharp’s ballroom-inspired Nine Sinatra Songs includes music by Frank Sinatra and costumes by Oscar de la Renta. Rounding out the program is Alonzo King’s MAP, which is a metaphor for the different paths individuals choose in life.

Dustin Layton and Kara Wilkes perform in Nine Sinatra Songs

Anna Gerberich and Joseph Watson glide across the floor

Addul Manzano and Jamie Dee show some ballroom skills

Addul Manzano and Jamie Dee move to the Sinatra music

Gilchrest and Ingram get into the Sinatra vibe — Gilchrest and Ingram

Sara James spins with an assist from Max Levy — Sarah James spins with an assist from Max Levy

Rebecca Carmazzi dips with help from Sasha Janes

Alessandra Ball and Ann Gerberich move around xxx in Alonzo King's MAP — Alessandra Ball and Anna Gerberich move around Dustin Layton in Alonzo King's MAP

Sasha Janes and Traci Gilchrest are in the spotlight in MAP

Janes and Gilchrest show some emotion in MAP

Dancers get ready to kick up their heels in Shindig

Sarah Hayes Watson works on her moves before the curtain opens

Sarah James and Alessandra Ball have some fun waiting to go on stage — Sarah James and Alessandra Ball have some fun waiting to go onstage

Justin VanWeest reflects as her prepares to perform — Justin VanWeest reflects as he prepares to perform

Kara Wilkes prepares to perform in Shindig

Sasha Janes and Anna Gerberich get into the Bluegrass music in Shindig — Sasha Janes and Anna Gerberich get into the bluegrass music in Shindig

Max Levy leaps while dancing with Traci Gilchrest

Sasha Janes and Rebecca Carmazzi kick up their heels

5 Comments

Min Wye
On September 17, 2009 Permalink

Kudos on the amazing photos =)
Brittany
On September 17, 2009 Permalink

These are gorgeous photos. My daughter is just starting at NCDT and she loved these pictures too. Thanks for sharing!
Doug
On September 17, 2009 Permalink

Awsome! Thank you so much for your support.
Nina Nocciolino
On September 17, 2009 Permalink

AMAZING Chris! I just heard about this exciting performance on NPR and read about it in the Times last weekend. Hoping it can make a run on Broadway but so wonderful that you go to capture it! Amazing work as always.
Kristin Vining
On September 17, 2009 Permalink

A M A Z I N G !!!!!

5 Comments

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