Rosa Hernandez Castillo // Liberia, Costa Rica

“But they’ll stare!” 

“That’s the point, Rosa! Just go stand there - quickly, before they leave!”

Sure enough, they all stuck their heads out the windows as they slowly rolled past - and she gracefully masked her fear with her athleticism. 

This particular image is one of my favorite images that I’ve created in this project, though not from a ballet standpoint (no pun intended). How the British tourists all seemed to look in unison, even the cheeky grin from the middle tourist, was perfect compositionally. The mock expression of horror with her arm thrown over her head was genuine horror that I would make her stand there in front of everyone.

Each ballerina is capable of what they are capable of, given what opportunities they have to dance. As a photographer, I am exceptionally proud of this image, and I trust Rosa is, too. I love this photo, despite what any ballerina might (rightfully) suggest.

Is this a ballet project, or a photography project? The verdict is still out.

July 11, 2018