TITLE: Geister

This is a series of portraits of former professional Ballet dancers, all of whom held successful careers spanning decades. For years they have pushed themselves to the absolute extremes of human ability, both in mind and body. Dance – there was no question to it.

My conversations with the dancers revolved around their professional careers in relation to their lives in the present. What happened, I wondered, when the body was no longer up to the task? Asking them to reflect on their histories I expected melancholy and wistfulness. Instead I found pride and self-confidence. Arched backs, commanding stares – I am in love with the Ballet dancer’s arrogance.

Like any artist the need to express oneself through one's art persists - it is not a question of wanting to dance but an insatiable need to. Thus, the dancers in my series all continue to practice in one shape or form. Perhaps there is no time for reflection.

AUTHOR: Tessa Ayling-Guhl (Germany)