Portraits of the Semperoper Ballett: Season 2024/25
I had the privilege of working with the Semperoper Ballett in Dresden on a commissioned photography project. Led by the new Artistic Director, Kinsun Chan, the project aimed to portray not only the dancers but also the world they inhabit. The goal was to create a series of portraits that revealed each dancer’s personality while placing them within the broader context of the Semperoper.
Each portrait consisted of two layers. The first was an up-close image, focusing on the dancer as an individual, capturing their essence and artistry. The second was a wider shot showing the setting where the portrait was taken. These backdrops ranged from the opulence of the auditorium to the gritty, functional backstage areas and theater workshops. The Semperoper Ballett embodies a unique mix of being both classy and edgy, and this series was a way to visually articulate that character.
The project took place over several days, involving over 70 individuals, including dancers, ballet direction staff, pianists, and more. With only 20 minutes allocated per individual, I am especially grateful for the Semperoper team’s coordination efforts, which really made the process smooth and collaborative.
Here are a few examples from the project:
All images © Semperoper Dresden/Admill Kuyler
