Phoebe Collins
For over four years, Omar Z. Robles has been photographing ballet dancers from companies around the world. Placing them in an urban setting, he's able to capture a different view of classical dance—one that is more egalitarian. On a recent trip to Melbourne, Robles was reminded of just how much his work can touch the public.
While in Australia, Robles was met with challenges. In fact, for the first time, he had a dancer cancel their shoot at the last minute, as the dancer's company didn't feel his work aligned with their branding. Determined to carry on with the project, but understandably feeling a bit defeated, Robles hit the streets of Melbourne with a different dancer. And it was there that a woman named Sylvie reminded him of why he does what he does.
“It was 4pm-ish one afternoon. I was photographing a dancer in the middle of the tram tracks right next to Flinders Station,” Robles writes. “Crowds of people walked in and out of the station at a time. Suddenly, I heard a loud gasp behind me. I stopped to look. A woman held her hand to her chest, eyes wide open as was her mouth. Standing in awe, a moment now recorded in my mind forever. She turned to me and said ‘I’m so amazed!! In 65 years that I have lived in Melbourne, I have never seen such a beautiful thing. A ballet dancer performing in the middle of the streets.' Her name was Sylvie. With teary eyes, she walked over to the dancer, gave her a big hug, and left us. My heart dropped, I cried inside a little. She had made my day in a way she didn’t even realize.”
Robles' story is a reminder that it can sometimes be difficult for artists to understand just how their creativity can affect the general public. Artwork gets published, hung in a gallery, and shared online, but most times the creators aren't around to hear the impact. By bringing classical dance to the world in an innovative way, Robles is helping a whole new audience appreciate the athleticism of ballet dancers.
It took a stranger's appreciation to snap Robles back into the power he possesses as an artist. Through his creative decisions and collaborations, he's opened up the world of dance to the masses, stripping it of its elite trappings and pushing it out into the streets. The lesson learned in Melbourne is one that Robles will remember.
“I shall never again forget or question the weight of my work. Of how utterly strong and transformative art can be. It appeals to the very core of our existence and offers us [an] escape from everyday struggles. Art is power. I will always be gratified to be a vessel to that power. Not for the few but for all.“
While photographing ballet dancers in Melbourne, Omar Z. Robles was reminded of just how powerful his art can be.
Nana Yamamoto
Tessa Puttnick
As he was photographing a ballet dancer, a woman named Sylvie approached the scene.
Tessa Puttnick
Mia Thorley
Tessa Puttnick
Olivia Paine
“I’m so amazed ! In 65 years that I have lived in Melbourne, I have never seen such a beautiful thing. A ballet dancer performing in the middle of the streets,” she exclaimed.
Ella Chambers
Clarabelle Ling
Clarabelle Ling
Maria Peker
With tears in her eyes, she hugged the dancer and went on her way, but her words stayed with Robles.
Tessa Puttnick
Left: Tessa Puttnick / Right: Nana Yamamoto
“No matter where my works end up being hanged or collected some day, I will never get the same satisfaction or forget moments like the one I experienced with Sylvie.”
Ezlimar Dortolina
Ella Chambers
Omar Z. Robles: Website | Blog | Facebook | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Omar Z. Robles.
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