A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of photographing Northern Ballet’s Autumn Series dress rehearsal, featuring three stunning short ballets. This was a dream come true for me as I’ve been hoping to collaborate with Northern Ballet for quite some time. Having already worked with two of their soloists, I was thrilled to take on this exciting opportunity.

The program featured three captivating performances: Victory Dance, Four Last Songs, and Fools — each crafted by different choreographers, retelling timeless stories through the language of ballet.

Opening the program was Victory Dance, a mesmerizing new ballet choreographed by Kristen McNally. A Principal Character Artist with The Royal Ballet, McNally has a rich repertoire of roles and choreographic works. This piece marked a unique collaboration with Northern Ballet dancers and Joe Powell-Main, a disabled dancer who uses wheels and crutches, showcasing innovation, inclusivity, and sheer excellence in movement. Photographing this performance was a standout moment, capturing both the fluidity and strength of the dancers as they embodied the essence of victory and resilience.

Four Last Songs, originally choreographed in 1977 by Dutch ballet visionary Rudi van Dantzig, offered a breathtaking exploration of love, loss, and the beauty of the human experience. The music, by Richard Strauss, paired classical compositions with a single soprano voice, delivering a hauntingly beautiful soundscape. This was the first UK performance of Four Last Songs in over a decade, making it even more special to capture the stunning lifts, turns, and emotional nuance of the dancers. The grace and precision of the company brought van Dantzig's masterpiece to life, and it was a privilege to photograph such an iconic piece of ballet history.

Closing the trio of performances was Fools, choreographed by Olivier Award-winner Mthuthuzeli November. A contemporary twist on Romeo and Juliet, inspired by R.L. Peteni’s South African novel Hill of Fools, this ballet told the story of a bitter rivalry between two villages. November’s work blends ballet with other dance forms, creating powerful and emotive performances. Having previously wowed audiences with Wailers in Northern Ballet’s 2022 Three Short Ballets program, Fools was another triumph of passion and storytelling. Capturing the intensity of the emotions and the dramatic choreography was a fantastic challenge, resulting in some of the most compelling images of the series.

Photographing a professional ballet company was a new milestone in my career. One thing that stood out was the meticulous process of having photos approved by the artistic director before publication, ensuring the highest standards of ballet technique were maintained. This was a valuable learning experience for me, allowing a deeper understanding of what professional ballet companies seek in production photography.

Here is a selection of images from these unforgettable performances. Working with Northern Ballet has been a career highlight, and I look forward to more collaborations in the future.