Thank you so much Grace and Kassandra for sharing your talent and passion with me. You are both wonderful examples of strong young women pursuing your dreams
These gorgeous dancers make it look easy, but in reality they train many, many hours each week perfecting their art. They spend their summer vacations attending ballet intensives with highly-esteemed ballet schools and companies where they live the life of a professional dancer, attending technique and repertory classes 6 or more days a week. Their passion and dedication is truly inspiring.
Tracy Waitkus Photography 805.264.2771
Avila Beach, California
Ballerinas are fun to photograph both on-stage and at the dance studio. But what I really enjoy is shooting dancers outdoors in interesting locations. The natural light and unlimited space combined with architectural elements or natural beauty provide a great setting to capture the strength and beauty of dance movement. Grace and Kassandra are two amazingly talented ballerinas who train at The Movement Arts Center in San Luis Obispo. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to shoot with them recently.
Ballerinas in Pismo Beach
February 5, 2018
For this shoot's location, I chose a public tennis court adjacent to the old police station building in Pismo Beach. I wanted a gritty location with an urban, athletic vibe to tie in with the dancers' athleticism, yet contrast with their elegance and graceful beauty. The flat surface was also ideal for the dancers to pose en pointe for some of the shots, as well as hit some leaps.