The recital theme of the studio where I teach, Holly Springs School of Dance, from this past June was Evolution of Dancer. This is a fitting theme for my summer of photos, as well. They include everything from a little dancer’s first time on the stage to professional ballet dancers honing their skills in class.

Here are a few from the Holly Springs School of Dance recital at AJ Fletcher Opera Theater in Raleigh.

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Dancing with friends
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Clara exits stage right
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Morgan waits backstage for her cue to enter
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Spencer is killin’ it

I also had the pleasure of shooting from backstage at my friend April’s studio recital.

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The final curtsy
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Gracious performers
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Little eyes are watching

And finally, I visited Carolina Ballet’s summer intensive several times and got to see all levels of committed dancers.

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Epaulement
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Carolina Ballet company dancer, Amanda Babayan, demonstrates where art and grace meet athleticism in ballet. 
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Grande port de bras
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Center work
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An effortless line by Carolina Ballet soloist, Alyssa Pllger

Portraits of a ballet teacher…

Principal Carolina Ballet dancer, Pablo Perez, is both instructive and demanding and patient and encouraging as a teacher.

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Principal Carolina Ballet dancer, Margaret Severin-Hansen, is animated, energetic and engaging.

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How’s that for evolution?