BALLET ON FILM
“Ballet on Film” began as a project to celebrate ballet in Hawaii, but it grew into the intimate story of how Honolulu Classical Ballet evolved to keep art and its artists relevant during the pandemic. Told over the course of 3 years, the story follows the school through pre-pandemic performances to virtual and outdoor classes during lockdown, ending with a triumphant return to the stage for their 10th anniversary.
The majority of the project was shot on Kodak Portra 800 with a 50-year-old Yashica 635 film camera.
Girls Backstage, Mamiya Theater 2019
Chapter 1 | Pre-Pandemic
2019-2020
A Nutcracker Suite
Mamiya Theater 2019
During the winter of 2019, I attended the rehearsal for “A Nutcracker Suite” where I photographed the dancers backstage - some in preparation and others relaxing between performances. A notable photo from this show is “Girls Backstage.” The dancers’ warm welcome set the tone for the rest of my time with the school.
Maddie Tying Her Shoe, Mamiya Theater 2019
Waiting in the Wings, Mamiya Theater 2019
John Landovsky Tribute
Leeward Theater 2020
Honolulu Classical Ballet joined numerous other ballet schools in paying tribute to artistic director John Landovsky who trained and mentored many of the dancers who now own and operate ballet schools throughout the islands.
A standout photo from this chapter is “Mirror Mirror,” which won an international award from The Photo Review. The jury was led by Kathy Ryan, the director of photography from The New York Times Magazine.
Caroline & Maddie, Leeward Theater 2020
Mirror Mirror, Leeward Theater 2020
Rouge, Leeward Theater 2020
Chapter 2 | Lockdown
2020
Although “Ballet on Film” was conceived to celebrate ballet in Hawaii, the pandemic shifted the story to one about the resiliency of the arts and how critical they are to our individual and shared human experience. With restrictions and limitations come adaptation and innovation.
Virtual Classes 2020
In the spring of 2020, Honolulu Classical Ballet moved from in-person to virtual classes. The teachers came into an empty studio to instruct over Zoom. Life moved from rich, vibrant textures to boxes on a screen.
Although the teachers and students poured so much love and care into each class – life didn’t feel in color. That’s why this chapter is in black and white. The high level of instruction and attention to detail was there, but something was missing.
Empty, Virtual Classes 2020
Second Arabesque, Virtual Classes 2020
Aya Watching Zoom, Virtual Classes 2020
Outdoor Class 2020
In July of 2020, the school arranged an outdoor class at Wai’alae Iki Park which was the first time the older students had seen one another in many months. The students were told to wear sneakers then eventually they changed into their ballet flats and finally pointe shoes. As you will see in a comparison shot, there is one photo of Maddie in Mamiya Theater tying her shoe pre-pandemic and another of her in nearly the same position sliding her sneaker off and slipping on her ballet flat. How life has changed, but art goes on.
Another photo from this chapter shows Romi Beppu, the school’s artistic director, jumping high in the air. I titled this photo “Joy!” because that’s how we felt that day. My heart was so full.
Untitled, Waiʻalae Iki Park 2020
Joy!, Waiʻalae Iki Park 2020
Maddie’s Slipping on Her Shoe, Waiʻalae Iki Park 2020
Maddie’s Shoes, 2019 Pre-Pandemic on Stage vs. 2020 Outdoor Class
Chapter 3 | The New World
2021-2022
In Studio Classes 2021
In the spring of 2021, in-studio classes resumed. I attended the senior class, Ballet Technique 4, every Friday night for eight weeks as they prepared for their spring performance of “Swan Lake.” One of my favorite photos from the project, “Before Class,” was taken in the stairway during this session. The shot is grand - larger than life - but also intimate and warm.
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The first time I stepped into this building I marveled at the architecture and beautiful light that cascaded down upon the dancers. What a gorgeous space with such enchanting light that I’d never noticed before.
I passed this building at least 100 times before and never taken a second look. I grew up in Kaimuki, the east Honolulu neighborhood where this studio is located, and from the outside, this structure seems like any other old-fashioned building. Full of charm and character, but in no way striking or particularly memorable.
But once you step inside and at the right time of day when the sun is shining in, illuminating whatever is in its gaze - this structure is extraordinary. And that magical feeling is what washed over me the first day I attended class.
Before Class, Studio 2021
Swans, Studio 2021
Broken Wing, Studio 2021
Swan Lake
Holy Nativity Gym 2021
Some of the series’ most memorable shots were taken at our two unique performance venues. In 2021, traditional theaters were still not allowing performances indoors, so Honolulu Classical Ballet adapted.
Their 2021 spring show took place at Holy Nativity gym in Aina Hina. The vintage wood basketball court added warmth and charm to the photos like "Mastering the Bow" and "Swan Lake," which feature the youngest (3-5yrs old) and oldest (13-16yrs old) dancers. The venue also provided additional dancers (pigeons) who were waiting in the wings.
Swan Lake, Holy Nativity Gymnasium 2021
Mastering the Bow, Holy Nativity Gymnasium 2021
Tutus, Holy Nativity Gymnasium 2021
The Nutcracker
Bishop Museum 2021
In the winter of 2021, the school took the stage under an A-frame structure at Bishop Museum to perform The Nutcracker. The performance venue felt fitting, as it brought together the artistry of classical ballet and the history of the islands that is celebrated and preserved at Bishop Museum. As the dancers gracefully glided across the stage, a symbolic presence of a canoe above served as a reminder of the ancestral spirits watching over their performance.
The Nutcracker, Bishop Museum 2021
Mice, Bishop Museum 2021
Mice, Bishop Museum 2021
Untitled, Bishop Museum 2021
Return to the Stage
Mamiya Theater 2022
Finally in 2022, Honolulu Classical Ballet returned to the stage. They held their 10-year anniversary performance in Mamiya Theater, which was the first time they were able to perform in a theater and without masks. It was truly a triumphant show that showcased the hard work and resiliency of the dancers, their families and the school that grew throughout the pandemic.
Return to the Stage, Mamiya Theater 2022
View more in: “Ballet on Film” Chapters