Franklin School of the Performing Arts 2010

I work with the Franklin School yearly and there are several images I wanted to include in this particular blog.  The dancers that come from this school set amazingly high standards in the art form and I hope the few examples I feature here will do them the appropriate justice.  All of you inspire me to be better at what I do.
Thank for you the ongoing priviledge.

Thank for you the on-going priviledge.

Amanda Roche and Blue Moves

Amanda Roche is a dancer, artist and social justice advocate. I first met and talked with her when I attended a concert at the Renaissance Center. The work revolved around her work with Tibet. To really be better informed on the subject, you're more than welcome to contact me and I will put you in touch with her. The long and short of this is the fact she is a wonderful artist, co-founder of Blue Moves Dance Company, and commited human being. It's a priviledge to know and work with her in any way. I was just fortunate enough to get her in front of my camera for a short period of time. Please enjoy a few samples from that day.

Recently I received this from Amada and I had to share it with all my artist friends. Just to let you know, it's things like this that keep my energy and focus with the arts.  They provide riches that not all understand,  maybe someday they will.  Thanks again Amanda, you enrich my life and work.

And lastly, I must take a moment to thank photographer Martin O'Connor. Many of you know him and have worked with him, as he is such a pillar in our local dance community. This year marks both the 20th anniversary of Blue Moves, the dance company I co-founded in collage, and also my 40th birthday, which I spent in Sharon Perry's advanced modern class at Vanderbilt and then in front of Martin's camera. Martin is deeply connected to dance, and has the artistry, skill and equipment to capture those intense moments of a dancer in flight, often at the very peak of a jump or turn. I think I can speak for all of those who have had the privilege of being in front of your camera when I say that we are so grateful that you can capture and preserve dance in this way, for it is such a transient and ethereal medium. Through your artistry, you allow us to soak in those moments that are so fleeting when we are performing them, to sit and reflect on the aesthetics but also that sense of why there are times when there is no other form of language that can say what dance can say. For any of you who seeking dance photographs for professional work or perhaps to mark a transition or other point in your life or career as a dancer, I would highly recommend the experience of a photo session with Martin. It is well worth the investment:

Body Dynamics

In my ongoing work with artists who grant me the opportunity to work with them, I continue to be amazed, and sometimes overwhelmed at the possibilities of the human body and how it can express itself.  The following images should serve as ongoing examples.  Take a moment to leave a comment if you wish, I enjoy the feedback and critiques

Contrapasso Part 2

 They're back in town with creativity and lot's of energy. I think the images speak for themeselves. For more cool stuff, check out the Dance and Fine Art Gallery on my website at www.martinoconnorphoto.com.

Stay tuned

Contrapasso

 Contrapasso, a Chatanooga based dance company, has been allowing me to work with them for some time now. They will be coming to town again for updates so in the meantime, I wanted to post some of their past images and will soon add new things. Katie Kasch is the founder and artistic director.  Their website and additional information can be found at the following link

http://www.contrapassodance.org/

Thanks again Katie, for allowing me to become involved with a great organization.

Nashville Aerialists

Two Nashville based artists got in touch with me recently and asked me about working with them as they put together some new ideas. Knowing a bit about their backgrounds and wanting to see how they create their beautiful images up close, I jumped in with both feet. I wish there was room to show more, but we'll just have to settle with what I have here. My thanks to Ernesto and Molly for all their time and talent.