After Thirty Cities and Hundreds of Dancers Among Us, My Journey Ends in a Boston Hospital

“You really don’t need to take any more pictures, Jordan. We’ve got more than enough for the book, and there’s only two weeks left to finish our final edit.”

I was discussing my upcoming trip to capture Dancers Among Us in Boston with Workman Publishing Senior Designer, Editor Netta Rabin. She was performing an intervention, trying to save me from myself.

No such luck.

“But my friend, Kevin Ban, is a doctor at Harvard. He can get me into the Emergency Room. I can’t say no to that.”

(Honestly, I think I’m addicted to this process. I’m feeling signs of withdrawal already)

I arrived in Boston Sunday afternoon and I was whisked directly to Beth Israel Medical Center. Welcoming me with open arms were volunteers, nurses, residents and security personnel. It was unbelievable.

I was very fortunate- it was a slow night in the ER. I asked the staff for a triage room, a shirtless volunteer to lie on a stretcher, a bunch of residents in scrubs, a heart monitor and a defibrillator. You can imagine how much fun I had shooting ABT dancer Duncan Lye in this mayhem (which is all I can offer you- Workman asked me to hold the photo until the book is published in the fall).

Waiting in the wings was Kelsey Hellebuyck, a beautiful ballerina with Boston Ballet. I turned to the head nurse.

“Can you get me an ambulance?”

We all rushed outside. The sun was setting and the EMT was about to leave for Fenway Park. We had fifteen minutes. I asked Kelsey to wear her white dress and pointe shoes. I wanted a somber mood, as if a wonderful evening had been interrupted by a terrifying event. I asked her to try different poses as the sun set behind her.

For months I have been imagining a shot of an ambulance sitting on an empty road, parked under a streetlamp.

Guess what it looked like across the street.

During the shoot we needed a little help with light. Imagine who drove up and offered to turn on his high beams. We all felt very safe.

Though my travels across the country have come to an end (for now), I still have two weeks to try my luck capturing Dancers Among Us in New York City.

Right, Netta?

My Dancers Among Us Wishlist

As I excitedly count down the days until the release of the Dancers Among Us book by Workman Publishing this fall, I realize each day that passes means less and less time for me to capture the amazing dancers that grace the U.S.

So folks, it’s crunch time. There are still so many phenomenal dancers that I would love to photograph. To keep my eye on the target, I've collected a few names for this Dancers Among Us Wishlist, because there is nothing wrong with dreaming big:

- Aszure Barton
- Bill T. Jones
- Camille A. Brown
- Benoit Swan-Pouffer and Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet
- Desmond Richardson/Dwight Rhoden and Complexions Contemporary Ballet
- the Cast of Glee
- Gallim Dance
- Gus Solomons Jr.
- Keigwin + Company
- Misty Copeland and American Ballet Theatre
- Neil Haskell and the cast of Bring it On: The Musical
- Pilobolus
- Robert Battle of Alvin Ailey
- The Rockettes
- Savion Glover
- So You Think You Can Dance stars Nick Lazzarini and Travis Wall
- the stars of the Step Up movies
- Stephen Petronio

There are far too many celebrities who could bust-a-move for Dancers Among Us:
- Beyonce
- Channing Tatum
- Ellen DeGeneres
- Madonna
- Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied
- Taye Diggs

And of course, the God of Dance: Mikhail Baryshnikov!

I would be so incredibly honored to photograph you all as Dancers Among Us. If you recognize your name on my “wish-list”, or have any connections to make this happen, e-mail me at jordanmatter@gmail.com. If you are able to help, I'd love for you to accompany me on a shoot!

Until then, I'll be crossing my fingers, rubbing rabbits feet, wishing upon many 11:11's, and praying to the photography gods for my wishes to come true...


www.dancersamongus.com

Pizza and Pot on Venice Beach- Dancers Among Us Discovers Los Angeles Culture

Kayla Radomski's reputation preceded her- she was a very popular finalist on season 5 of So You Think You Can Dance. I was relentless in my pursuit of her before I visited Los Angeles last week. I desperately wanted to photograph her for Dancers Among Us, but I had no idea what to do with her.

She arrived at Venice Beach in the middle of a very busy and extremely productive day. We had about 45 minutes to conceive and create a shot worthy of her talent. I wanted to shoot her on the Venice Boardwalk, so I looked around until I found the best spot.



Great location for a photo! I liked the crowds of people, the Venice graffiti and palm trees in the background. Of course, I loved the marijuana sign. Then I asked Kayla how she was feeling physically. Her answer didn't need any words.



So far, so good. But what's the story? What is she doing there? I had no idea. Rollerblading, sunbathing, eating, blah, blah- everything seemed so obvious. Then I looked a little closer and discovered the answer.



She's holding a promo sign. She's working! My friend and collaborator Ivy Vahanian talked a pizza place into lending us their sign for five minutes- at most! Oh boy.

Fortunately, I had several more dancers waiting for me, so I recruited Laura Karlin and Mary Tarpley to hold Kayla in a split. I liked the idea of a team effort. This was no easy task for any of them, but it was worth a try! I asked Kayla to turn towards the sun and channel Vanna White.



Pretty cool shot, but it could be better. First of all, I realized that it needed to be a horizontal shot. I gave up my attempt to include the Venice graffiti- it was more important to show the activity around them. Secondly, I wanted Kayla's right arm to be waving to everyone, which was almost impossible- she needed it for stability.

Somehow, she managed. Ouch!



Very cool shot. I almost loved it. There was still an element missing, but I had no idea what that was. I only knew that I had just a few minutes to discover it, so we tried again. And something magical happened- about three seconds too early.



A skateboarder cruised underneath Kayla's legs before she was ready. Damn! That was it! That was the unexpected element I needed to complete the photo. Where could I possibly find another skateboarder in the next two minutes?

Oh right, this is Venice Beach- it's like calling Central Casting. Within thirty seconds we found the perfect volunteer. He hit his mark just as a bicyclist turned to look at Kayla, and right before her hamstrings screamed out in protest.

Thank you, Serendipity.

Dancers Among Us Shoots Guns in Texas

"You got a gun in that bag?"

I was at the Houston Gun and Knife Show with Connor Walsh, principal dancer from Houston Ballet. I was desperate for a Dancers Among Us photo, but the huge sign above our heads might be a little problematic.

NO GUNS! NO CAMERAS!

(I didn't know you couldn't bring a gun into a gun show)

"No sir, I don't have a gun."

He stared down at me. I'm 6'3", so that's not easy to do.

"You got a camera?"

I briefly considered lying, but he was standing like eight inches away from me, staring me right in the eyes and not blinking.

"Yes, I have a camera."

"Is it a small one?"

"No actually, it's pretty big."

Were we still talking about my camera? He stared for a few more seconds.

"Just don't use it in here."

Connor was looking a little apprehensive. I already had three confrontations with law enforcement that day, so I was feeling very nervous as well. We went outside to discuss our plan. Of course, I had to give it a shot. "Let's just do it. What's the worst that can happen? I don't think the guns are loaded."

Just then I saw a cowboy crossing the street with a rifle in his hand. "Excuse me, can I borrow your gun for a photograph?"

He looked dumbstruck. I tried to explain about my book, that I'm traveling the country photographing dancers in everyday situations, blah, blah. We weren't connecting.

"No, you'll run off with it," he said as he walked away.

"No I won't," I shouted after him. "I'll give you my wallet as collateral."

It worked! He handed me the rifle, which was surprisingly heavy. With gun in hand, Connor looked every bit the cowboy. Except one thing could be better.

"Can I borrow your hat too?" I asked.

"No way. It's a $1000 hat."

"Really??", I thought. "Okay, he'll use his own hat, but I need you in the photo."

He agreed. I asked Connor to do a split jump and framed up the photo to include a silly sign. In my mind I titled the shot, "Right to Bear Arms"



Once inside the gun show, I realized how challenging this would be. Security was everywhere. My heart was pounding. As Connor was changing into lighter pants, I found a perfect location. Unfortunately, I couldn't do any test shots. We just had to wing it.

I asked Connor to hinge- bend back while elevating on his toes- aim the rifle in the air like he was shooting a bird, and smile. I waited until the coast was clear, grabbed my camera from the bag and whispered, "Go!"

Click, Click, Click, Click, Click, Click, Click, Click. Eight photos, ten seconds.



We reviewed the photos in the bathroom. They were good, but we both knew he could bend farther back. The show was just ten minutes from closing, and people we starting to clear out. Less protection. We tried again.



His hinge was great, but there was nobody in the shot with him. The place looked empty. It needed something intangible. Come on, Photography Gods, you're always with me on this. Where's my unexpected moment that completes the story?

A security guard was walking towards us, though he didn't see us yet. We were going to have to stop and settle for what we got. Damn.

Then I saw it. A family with a baby in a stroller, headed our way.

"Wait!! Do the pose again! Hurry! Something might happen in the background."

Connor hit his pose. I whispered directions ("Shoulders down.. chin up.. smile!!") and watched the story unfold behind him.





Visit www.dancersamongus.com to see which final image I chose for the Dancers Among Us book. You can also see many other Dancers Among Us photos, very cool behind-the-scenes videos, effusive press clippings, and lots of naked people (I threw that last one in for effect).

Dancers Among Us to be Released in Bookstores Ahead of Schedule

In a recent blog, "I've Been Keeping Secrets... Lots of Them", I revealed that I've held back many Dancers Among Us images for the book's publication. Well, it appears that these secret new images have excited the folks at Workman Publishing so much that they've moved up the publication date. Originally scheduled to be released in the spring of 2013, Dancers Among Us will now hit bookstores in the fall of 2012, just in time for the holidays! Given that it is such a coveted slot, it's highly unusual for a title to be added to the fall list at this late date. I'm honored! And very excited! And just a bit overwhelmed...

My deadline has been pushed up four months! So it's seriously crunch time. I have to finish shooting all the photographs, and write lots of text, in just eight weeks!! So this is my final call to all dancers who want to participate-

Dancers- if you want to be featured in this year's best-selling, record-shattering, award-winning holiday book, contact me NOW at jordanmatter@gmail.com! If you live in or near Los Angeles and you want to participate, I will be there next week. Otherwise, I will primarily be in New York City. I don't know how many other cities I will have the opportunity to visit.

I'm very excited to offer Dancers Among Us in print for the holidays this year. Please keep an eye out on my website, www.dancersamongus.com, for regular updates.

Thank you for all your encouragement and support. I'll see you soon at a book signing near you!

Twyla Tharp, I Want YOU for Dancers Among Us

Emboldened by my successful blog to Bebe Neuwirth, and the photo shoot that followed, I'm taking another swing for the fences.

Ms. Tharp, allow me to introduce myself. I'm a NYC photographer, and I've been shooting dancers in everyday situations for over two years. The project is titled, "Dancers Among Us". It has been viewed millions of times on my website, and featured in blogs, newspapers, magazines and television segments around the world. I'm traveling the country photographing dancers for the book, with my eye on a 2013 national book release with Workman Publishing.

I would be extremely honored if you would allow me to photograph you for the Dancers Among Us book. Your legendary status in the dance world and beyond, along with your creative brilliance, would make you a thrilling collaborator.

I've crossed your path many times as I've worked on this project. It all began with one of your early companies, the Paul Taylor Dance Company-





As the project expanded and I traveled around the country, your footprints were everywhere-

Atlanta Ballet

Martha Graham Dance Company

American Ballet Theatre

Pacific Northwest Ballet

Miami City Ballet

Joffrey Ballet

It all came full circle when I was hired to shoot the PTDC "Moving!" to Lincoln Center 2012 campaign, which caused me to jump for joy!

photo by Samantha Siegel

If you'd like to see the Dancers Among Us gallery, watch behind-the-scenes videos and read press clippings, please visit the project's website-

www.dancersamongus.com

I have a couple of months until I need to submit all my photos to Workman. If you live in New York City, I am at your beck and call. If you live in Los Angeles, I will be there March 26-29. If you live anywhere else, I'll be on the next plane to meet you. Please email me at jordanmatter@gmail.com if you're interested.

Since my son inspired this project, a percentage of the proceeds I receive will be donated to a children's charity. That's a blatant attempt to pull at your heartstrings, but it also happens to be true.

Thank you, Ms. Tharp. I hope to meet you soon.

Your Favorite "Renegade Dance Photographer" Featured on Huffington Post

The Paul Taylor Dance Company opens their season at Lincoln Center tonight. The Huffington Post is running a terrific article about the PTDC "Moving!" campaign I shot, including interviews with the dancers about the experience. I never heard their impressions of the shoot. Very exciting!

Here's an excerpt:

A cool advertising campaign, shot by renegade dance photographer Jordan Matter, captures the dancers' ballsy uptown foray. Eight of the PTDC's 16 dancers chatted with HuffPost Arts about the photo shoot, and why the move matters.



"Don’t we love the illusion of photography, that trick of the eye? I am jumping up. It’s not Photoshopped.

"They hailed the taxi, they paid the driver to park a few minutes. We set up a trampoline, mostly because it was concrete. We did that a bunch of times, to get the angle so it would look like my foot was coming out of the car.

"We were right in the middle of Lincoln Center, in the street. It was really exhilarating to be out in the public, on a public plaza, with everyday people going by.

"It’s difficult to capture the essence of the dynamic energy, the flight, of Paul Taylor’s sense of movement -- and Jordan was able to capture it.

"Knowing the history of the dance that has been presented at Lincoln Center, to be a part of that history, and to become part of the legacy that is that theater is a huge opportunity for the company."

-- Michael Trusnovec, with Paul Taylor Dance Company in 1998, now its most senior member




“Yeah, it was really fun. They wanted to have a shot with someone, in white, jumping over that sign. I was excited because I knew I had this great white dress from the duet that concludes "White Roses."

“It was high traffic area and he wanted me to do it over and over and over and get right over the sign. Usually [Jordan] doesn’t use trampolines, [but] it’s an intense rehearsal period and I didn’t want to get injured, so we used the trampoline. And it saved my life, probably.

“It’s kind of scary, it wasn’t that big of a a trampoline, and you have to line up over it. I’m used to doing a jeté and getting the line I want on it. But when you’re moving forward to get that line, versus, when you are jumping up, it’s a different coordination. The front arm, in a slight 'vee' up, is a Taylor arm.”

-- Eran Bugge, with PTDC since 2005




"It was very impromptu. It had just finished a torrential downpour of rain, it was 8:30 at night. It hadn’t rained the whole summer, and we were shooting, and it was still raining. They said to me, ‘Are you ready? Let’s do it. Go put some tights on.’

“I put on red tights, came down out of the Koch Theater, and he [Jordan Matter, photographer] decided to put me in front of the fountain. ‘Do whatever,’ were my instructions, ‘Just be in the rain.’ He didn’t have anything particular in mind. I started jumping, it was raining on me. It was really incredible. You know you are in an epic shot, the lighting design of Lincoln Center is so magnificent, we were trying to time the jump so when I was in the air, the fountain was shooting up, so there would be up and down.

"You can’t really tell that it’s raining [in the photo], it just looks like I’m shiny. I have never felt such a rush in a photo shoot before, dancing with the elements, and there’s a huge crowd watching this crazy person jumping up and down in the rain."

-- Francisco Graciano, joined the company in 2004


To see more photos and the full article on the Huffington Post website, click here.

To my favorite dancers in the world- Merde tonight! (for those who don't know, that's "Good Luck" in dance speak)