Dear Oliver,
what is Behind Ballet Zaida? I take and edit all the photos in Ballet Zaida, as well as run the website and the various social networking sites Ballet Zaida is seen on. I also get help from my sister Alanna, she helps with the brainstorming for poses, outfits, locations, and makeup for the photoshoots. She also helps with the public relations for the project.
Why Ballet? I danced ballet myself for over a decade. During that decade, I found out the general public knows very little about ballet, because they aren’t really exposed to it. I wanted to change that. So when I quit dancing, I decided to use my knowledge of ballet and combine it with my new passion for photography. Creating a ballet photography project that showcased pictures with proper ballet technique, seemed like the best way to introduce the world to ballet.
Other dance styles you like? Other than ballet, I really enjoy hip-hop and contemporary.
Where do you get your inspiration from? I get a lot of my inspiration from music, movies, fashion photography, and my friends and family.
What is most rewarding about your job? When people tell me they’re inspired by my photos.
What have you learned from the dancers? Has it changed your perspective, so to speak? Having been a dancer myself, I’ve actually learned the most by being on the other side of the camera. As a dancer you think a lot about yourself and how to look your best. Being behind the camera is different, I now think about how to bring out the best in each and every person I photograph.
Does a ballerina need the ideal ballerina body to become a ballet dancer? (Like being tall, good feet, small hips, straight legs?) Every body type has there pros and cons. I know a lot of great dancers that are short, and I know a lot of great dancers that are tall. Straight legs and good feet obviously help and look good on everyone. Regardless of your body type though, I believe anyone can succeed if they are a truly great dancer.
Who is your favorite dancer? Every dancer you see in Ballet Zaida.
What advice do you have for both up and coming dancers and photographers? Work hard, and don’t stop doing what you’re doing if you love it. If you get discouraged because the people around you aren’t working as hard as you, but are moving up faster, work even harder. Life is unfair, some people don’t have to work that hard for success, and some people have to work 10 times harder than everyone else. But if you love what you’re doing, keep at it, and you’ll be even more successful in the long run.
Thanks for doing the interview. I love your Tumblr, keep it up.
Hope you have a great day,
-Oliver Endahl
Thank you, Oliver! You truly inspire me!
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