Russian ballet has a long and illustrious history. When one thinks of ballet, in fact, one often thinks of Russian. And while ballet is not originally Russian, but was brought there through France, this distinctly non-Russian art form is still very Russian. At the core of the development of ballet in Russia was the Czarist system.
Throughout the last four centuries, the Czars have demanded personal entertainment in their homes, and it is here that ballet developed. Rulers like Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich and Peter the Great brought dancers into their courts and helped set up ballet schools around the country. The Russian style is marked by a number of distinct qualities. Strict technique is important. Dramatic unity is not so strictly adhered to, however, as it is in France.
Much of the Russian ballet is sentimental and romantic. And the corps de ballet and pas de deux are both vital elements. But this magazine is not about ballet, but about nude models. In this case, the nude models in question are Russian ballerinas Jasmine A and Lea A.
Full of grace and elegance, these Russian dancers have trained most of their lives to perform in the ballet. They are rare specimens of a strict training system, and their bodies are proof of their labors. The photo series in which the ‘beautiful dancers’ appears takes place, appropriately enough, in the rehearsal room. The standard elements a wall of mirrors and a practice pole are in place. The dancers use these elements to great effect. So too does the photographer.
The dancers bend and stretch their bodies while holding onto the pole, while the photographer captures them both directly and as reflect in the mirror. The result is that you get to see multiple sides of their well built dancers, more than you could see with just a standard shoot. When you look at the dancers in this series, you understand why the Czars were so eager to have the ballet in their courts. Beautiful young women gravitated to the dance and graced the stage in their tutus and leotards. They would dance for the Czar, just as they are dancing for you in these photos. Perfect beauty, elegant and rare. That is the Russian ballet, and her dancers.
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