Elisabeth Beyer and Tulip
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Playful pups take center stage alongside trained dancers in the charming photo project Dancers & Dogs. The brainchild of photographers Kelly Pratt Kreidich and Ian Kreidich, the series features portraits of professional ballet dancers posing with canines of all shapes and sizes. Each heartwarming image highlights a different dynamic between the pups and dancers. Some dogs interact with their co-star by “dancing” on their hind legs, while other canines prefer to simply stare in amazement at the strength and grace of the humans.
Dancers & Dogs has featured over 100 professional dancers and 100 dogs since it began in January 2017. “The idea for the project was very random,” Kelly tells My Modern Met. “We just thought it would be fun to combine the lines of different dog breeds, with the beautiful lines of dancers. We really just wanted to try something new.”
The series attracted a lot of attention right away, as it presents a different view of professional dancers. “We really feel like we show the lighter side of dancers,” Kelly explains, “who are often seen as super-human creatures, and the dance world is often portrayed in the media as very serious and cut-throat.” By adding in goofy pups, the dancers in the photos express their silly, lighthearted side—and it’s contagious. “We get told every day that we gave people a smile when they needed it, and that is everything.”
The Kreidichs have now compiled portraits from Dancers & Dogs and turned it into a 216-page book of the same name. You can pre-order it before its release on November 19, 2019. And if you’re looking for a fun way to ring in 2020, pick up your copy of the Dancers & Dogs wall calendar.
The Dancers & Dogs photo project features professional ballet dancers showing their sillier side by posing with adorable pups.
Acee Francis Laird and Gandalf
Ashley Lew and Loki
Izzy Mendez and Charlie
Jolie Rose Lombardo and Stitch
Ever Larson and Griffin
Kimberly Biesiadecki and Mikey
Carlos Gonzalez and Blue
Bianca Bulle and Hero
Bianca Bulle, Hero, Marvel, and Loki
Devon Teuscher and Riley
Bella Kirby and Gracie
Maxine Hupy and Peek
Sarah Hayes Harkins and Pippa
