Sunday, 18 April 2010

The Red Shoes: I don't know why I dance, but I must...

This is Chloe - the subject of my latest photography project, inspired by the film the Red Shoes, especially by the famous conversation between Vicky and Boris Lermentov.
"Why do you want to dance?"
Vicky: "Why do you want to live?"

My friend Chloe is a stunningly talented ballet dancer so I had the idea to ask if I could take some pictures of her graceful self! She very happily agreed and one month, a lengthy form to hire the venue and the ardous process of reducing 600 photos to twelve later...here are the pictures!
I story-boarded them to follow the photo narrative below.

All the clothes I styled her in were mine (except for the shoes and leotard which were hers)- the majority being vintage. There was a slight theme of transparency throughout, and I wanted fabrics that would move well. I then added some quirky details - from a curtain tie for a belt, to an underskirt as a DIY tutu. But my favourite outfit was the one pictured above. I made her a dress entirely from plastic (the only way I can think to describe it is as thick cellophane). It was so fun to create, and a real exercise in how a dress is put together. So armed with only with a stapler and a roll of said cellophane, I attempted to make a bodice - and it worked! Not only that, but it even fitted Chloe perfectly.. Cue a rather large sigh of relief. The shape was partly inspired by Vicky's performance dress in the Red Shoes - Especially the full skirt.

I took all the photos in my local village hall which took a while to arrange, but was totally worth it! This place is one of those classic small village places - dusty curtains, an old piano, beautiful wooden floorboards.

Gosh, I think this is the least I've written in a while.. Blame the start of school tomorrow and my need to get everything ready for a new term.. But don't worry, in the next post I'll be back to my lengthy writing self. Talking of which, I have a few shoots from my holiday that I cant wait to share!

Oh, and a massive thank you to Jill for her absolutely wonderful interview post about me! I appreciate it so much, and her words were so kind.

Okay, here are the photos: