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Elegant Portraits Capture the Graceful Movement of Nimble Ballet Dancers

By Kelly Richman-Abdou on May 4, 2017

As a former dancer, New York-based photographer Rachel Neville specializes in images that highlight the human body and capture movement. Her penchant for experimenting with motion and her inherent artistic creativity have culminated in an esteemed collection of conceptual dance photographs.

Neville's stylistic approach to dance photography is as distinctive as it is refreshing. Like traditional shots of dancers, her photographs place an emphasis on the expressive movements of the body. What sets Neville's portrayals apart from the others, however, is her highly contemporary and deeply conceptual style, which is “informed as much from her dance history as [it is] from her innate creative vision.”

To highlight her muses' movements, she employs a plethora of props, from flowing fabrics to illustrated abstractions. Similarly, many of the models wear avant-garde ensembles. Though alluring and theatrical, the unique costumes do not divert attention from the figures' bodies and gestures. Rather, they inventively accentuate them through silhouette, color, and even texture.

In addition to exhibiting the undeniably impressive movements, poses, and physiques of her subjects, Neville has another goal in mind when capturing the captivating shots: “to bring [viewers] into the theatre.” By presenting such a visually eclectic and undeniably dynamic collection of photos, the photographer successfully showcases the capabilities of not only the human body, but of the art of dance, too.

You can see more of Neville's stunning shots on her Instagram. Often accompanied by an inspiring quote, each image conveys the photographer's passionate approach to her craft.