There’s nothing more challenging, rewarding and joyous for me to photograph than dancers in all their swirling, twirling, limbs-a-flying glory. Technically speaking, it’s difficult, what with all the movement, dim light and awkward, in-between moments. On an emotional level, its exhilarating — like music you can see.
Looking through my archives, here are a few of my favorite dance photos from the past few years. I hope you feel a little bit of what I felt when I made them.
Gov. Janet Mills dances at her election night party in Portland on Tuesday night, Nov. 8, 2022. (photo by Troy R. Bennett)
Salua Umuhoza (right) and Tresor Muhizi hold a pose at the end of a dance number in Steve Rukongi’s play “The Sunset” at Portland Stage. (photo by Troy R. Bennett)
Tim Cason whirls Grace Glynn at the weekly Portland Intown Contra Dance at the State Street Church. (photo by Troy R. Bennett)Joy Taylor of The Love Factory dances in Portland’s Congress Square at noontime. Factory dancers meet in the square three times a week to try and spread joy and love through movement and music. (photo by Troy R. Bennett)
Growing up a dancer and figure skater, South Portland native Jonessa Ramos, 24, became a certified pole fitness instructor and opened 207 Pole Fitness in Maine in 2013. (photo by Troy R. Bennett)Lee Cannon, one of several hundred people dressed as Santa, elves, reindeer and assorted Christmas characters roaming the streets of Portland’s Old Port one Saturday night not long before Christmas, dances at the Oasis on Wharf Street. (photo by Troy R. Bennett)
