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More from *3feathers

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Exploring Excellence

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March 12, 2012
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:icon3feathers:
In preparation for my new book Storytime, which is in the final editing phase, I've discovered that some of the images are benefitting from a retooling. This particular piece of Wesley in pointe shoes is one of the most important from my work over the past many years and was worth a second look.

I'd had the idea of a male dancer in pointe shoes ever since I'd learned that dancing en pointe originated with men and that the ballet world underwent some serious upheaval when women first donned those wooden-toed shoes. Finding the right guy for the shoot took a lot of looking and a lot of waiting. When I first met Wesley I knew I'd found my guy. But would he be willing to do something so completely out there?

Wesley's androgyny is something he owns and is at peace with and it blends seamlessly with his unabashed love of women. His answer to my request to work with him was an enthusiastic yes! Nude? Pointe shoes? Possibly a pink tutu? No problem. Wesley took the project on and made it his and I got the image that had been dancing in my mind's eye for ages.

I grew up with Degas' paintings of dancers all around me, so this image is in part an homage to him as well as an homage to those men who used to and still do go up en pointe. And perhaps too, an homage to my persistence and patience in finding the right person for the picture.
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:iconmarty4110:
*Marty4110 Apr 20, 2013
We are all richer for your patience and long wait.
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:iconenterprisedavid:
~enterprisedavid Dec 9, 2012  Hobbyist Digital Artist
men should dance pointe
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:icon3feathers:
*3feathers Dec 9, 2012  Professional Photographer
Many do. Check out the Trocaderos online.
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:iconenterprisedavid:
~enterprisedavid Dec 10, 2012  Hobbyist Digital Artist
i know them, i love watching them
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:iconlouise-1:
Mood: Love ~Louise-1 Aug 11, 2012
I love this photo. I have wondered for many years why men do not dance en pointe. I've always wanted to see it.
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:icon3feathers:
*3feathers Aug 11, 2012  Professional Photographer
If you ever have a chance to see The Trocaderos go for it. It's an all male ballet troupe and many of the guys dance en pointe. They're amazing.
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:iconlouise-1:
~Louise-1 Aug 12, 2012
Thank you for that info. I will definitely check them out!
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:iconpointeman1:
Mood: Love ~Pointeman1 May 6, 2012  Professional Photographer
Wonderful image! And delighted to see more of men as men in pointe shoes and not having to perform in drag.
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:icon3feathers:
*3feathers May 7, 2012  Professional Photographer
Thank you. And yes, my working with men en pointe for this series has nothing to do with men in drag as the discipline originated with men and I'm simply exploring that reality, which has become largely forgotten.
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:iconpointeman1:
Mood: Joy ~Pointeman1 Jun 11, 2012  Professional Photographer
You Are More Than Welcomed. You work is most refreshing and it sets some history straight. Just glad to see men dancing en pointe without having to do so in drag. Best To You!
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