This past fall I started a personal photography project in collaboration with my friend Marie Cleaves Rothacker who had just opened a new dance and barre studio in downtown Lancaster City. Dance has always been a passion of mine and so I was excited when Marie asked if I would like to exhibit some photography at Move It Studio. She is a fabulous dancer and has done an amazing job of starting her own business.  If you enjoy modern dance, barre or Pilates, I highly recommend you check out Move It Studio!

Above: Amber Wong spins in some puddles off of North Prince Street

Below you will see some of the images from the series organized in pairs by location. This all came together quite last minute and I relied on Marie to connect me with local dancers. We probably did about 10 photo shoots over a 6 week period to have everything ready in time for December First Friday. We even got an article and photos published in the Lancaster Newspaper thanks to our PR guru Amanda Forry! My goal for this project was to feature dancers and movers in everyday locations around Lancaster City doing what they do best, each portraying their own unique style or story. Types of dance and movement include parkour, hip hop, modern, swing, pole and hoop dancing and ballet.

Above: Marie Cleaves Rothacker at Lancaster Central Market

In gathering these images, I was struck by how the dancers interacted with their surroundings in order to create and enhance their movements, whether they were balancing on a railing, leaping from a staircase or spinning through an alleyway. Their movement gives new life and perspective to the spaces we pass by every day.

Above: Stacia Sleight at Amtrak Station (left) and Lancaster Public Library (right)

You can view or purchase some of the framed prints on display for the remainder of the month of April at Coe Camera Gallery where I had a second exhibition this spring.

Above: Parkour artists Jordan Strybos (left) and Andy Heller (right) at College Hill Apartments

Above: Swing dancers Filip Monte and Melissa Hildebrand in front of Mommalicious

Above: Marian West at Excelsior Hall

Above: Stacia Sleight (left) and Marie Cleaves Rothacker in the courtyard behind Square One Coffee

Above: Shauna Thomas in Steinman Park

Above: Samantha Pierson on an old footbridge (left) and at Stan's Record Bar (right)

Above: Marian West at Excelsior Hall

Above: Marian West at Excelsior Hall

Above: Ryane on the roof of Tellus360

Above: Rachel Skye (owner of Studio Spin) on the roof of Tellus360

Above: Marie Cleaves Rothacker and Stacia Sleight at the courtyard behind Square One Coffee (left) and Marie at Central Market (right)

Above: Marian West at Excelsior Hall

Stay tuned for another dance inspired photography series coming this fall!