Dance Works

In 1994, while I was in the prime of my career as a geologist, I went to see the West Coast Premier of choreographer Mark Morris’ evening length dance work L’Allegro, il Penseroso, ed il Moderato. That same year I also saw Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room. Both these works are considered masterpieces of American 20th-century modern dance. Those two nights changed my life, broadening my horizons in music, literature, and the arts from my largely scientific background and working career as an earth scientist. Above all they ignited a passion for dance and, in retirement, parlayed my lifelong photography hobby into a serious pursuit of dance photography. In the last decade I’ve had the honor of working with more than 100 professional and career-track dancers in training many at the top of their profession with major dance companies. Working with all these dancers has been an immense pleasure, granting me friendships, new perspectives on the backstage world of rehearsals and performance and instructing my eye for technique and line. I’ve been grateful for the collaborations with every dancer who, as Milton wrote, “trips it on the light fantastic toe.” I have tremendous respect for the talent, dedication, and art of every one of them.