Colorado Ballet Dancers perform “Serenade” by George Balanchine on the Opening Night program of the 2024 Vail Dance Festival.</p>
<p>Choreography by George Balanchine</p>
<p>©The George Balanchine Trust; photo by Christopher Duggan

Behind the Lens: Vail Dance Festival 2024

by | Sep 17, 2024 | Dance

This summer at Vail Dance Festival 2024 reinforced why I’m so passionate about capturing live performance.

Here’s a look at some of my highlights of Vail Dance Festival 2024

Aran Bell and Catherine Hurlin in rehearsal for "Afternoon of a Faun" by Jerome Robbins at the 2024 Vail Dance Festival; photo by Christopher Duggan.
Aran Bell and Catherine Hurlin in rehearsal for "Afternoon of a Faun" by Jerome Robbins at the 2024 Vail Dance Festival; photo by Christopher Duggan.
Aran Bell and Catherine Hurlin in rehearsal for "Afternoon of a Faun" by Jerome Robbins at the 2024 Vail Dance Festival; photo by Christopher Duggan.
Aran Bell and Catherine Hurlin in rehearsal for "Afternoon of a Faun" by Jerome Robbins at the 2024 Vail Dance Festival; photo by Christopher Duggan.
Aran Bell and Catherine Hurlin in rehearsal for "Afternoon of a Faun" by Jerome Robbins at the 2024 Vail Dance Festival; photo by Christopher Duggan.
Aran Bell and Catherine Hurlin in rehearsal for "Afternoon of a Faun" by Jerome Robbins at the 2024 Vail Dance Festival; photo by Christopher Duggan.

Catherine Hurlin & Aran Bell

Watching Catherine Hurlin and Aran Bell of American Ballet Theatre (ABT) dance together was nothing short of extraordinary. Each movement and gesture was perfectly aligned. Being in the room as they worked, I was struck by the attention they paid to every detail. Capturing their process and seeing the final performance unfold highlighted the beauty of their collaboration and artistry.

Calvin Royal III performs "Reflections in D" by Alvin Ailey on the International Evenings of Dance I program of the 2024 Vail Dance Festival; photo by Christopher Duggan.
Calvin Royal III performs "Reflections in D" by Alvin Ailey on the International Evenings of Dance I program of the 2024 Vail Dance Festival; photo by Christopher Duggan.
Calvin Royal III performs "Reflections in D" by Alvin Ailey on the International Evenings of Dance I program of the 2024 Vail Dance Festival; photo by Christopher Duggan.

Calvin Royal III

Calvin Royal III delivered a stunning performance of Alvin Ailey’s Reflections in D. His stage presence was so commanding that I found myself drawn to capturing wide shots of the entire stage, wanting to encompass the full scope of his performance. Documenting his incredible artistry is always an exhilarating experience.

Sara Mearns with pianist Michael Scales performs “Butterfly Etude” and “Harp Etude” by Isadora Duncan on the UpClose: Swerve program of the 2024 Vail Dance Festival; photo by Christopher Duggan.
Sara Mearns with pianist Michael Scales performs “Butterfly Etude” and “Harp Etude” by Isadora Duncan on the UpClose: Swerve program of the 2024 Vail Dance Festival; photo by Christopher Duggan.
Sara Mearns with pianist Michael Scales performs “Butterfly Etude” and “Harp Etude” by Isadora Duncan on the UpClose: Swerve program of the 2024 Vail Dance Festival; photo by Christopher Duggan.
Sara Mearns with pianist Michael Scales performs “Butterfly Etude” and “Harp Etude” by Isadora Duncan on the UpClose: Swerve program of the 2024 Vail Dance Festival; photo by Christopher Duggan.

Sara Mearns

Sara Mearns’ performance during Vail’s UpClose Program was a highlight that took my breath away. The combination of her mesmerizing movement and the flowing costume created a visual that told a compelling story. Mearns has a remarkable ability to draw us into her world, making each performance a deeply emotional experience. It was a privilege to capture her artistry.

The Heart of the Festival: Excitement and Camaraderie

One of the most touching aspects of the festival was witnessing the genuine excitement and camaraderie among the dancers. There’s something incredibly moving about seeing such talented individuals come together with a shared sense of joy and enthusiasm. Every moment of connection and creative exchange was a testament to the collective passion for dance. It’s these moments that truly make me appreciate the power of the arts and the community dance fosters.

I’m filled with gratitude.

Thank you to everyone who made this festival so memorable. Here’s to more moments of dance, creativity, and connection. = )




Previous Post
Capturing Every Moment of Your Wedding Weekend
Next Post
Photographing Dance Theatre of Harlem at Jacob's Pillow