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InspirationPhotography

Honest photographs that show the 'sweat, blood and repetition' behind The Royal Ballet

"Ballet is such a pristine art that most people only see in its final stage," says Flore Diamant of her series, Petit Pas. "The performance is of course what matters most but I think it is essential for people to be aware of the process that goes behind it. Every step has been rehearsed over and over, the music repeated beat by beat to finally get it to look as graceful and composed as the audience see it."

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All images courtesy of the artist. Via Creative Boom submission.

All images courtesy of the artist. Via Creative Boom submission.

The Belgian photographer, who is based in London, has been working on her series for the past few months, going behind the scenes at The Royal Ballet, documenting the dancers as they practice and prepare for their performances. Flore wanted to show just how gruelling the artform can be.

"To be able to show that ballet is not just tutus, tiaras and prices, it is also sweat, blood and repetition. A dancer’s day is not so different than any of us, but instead of going to an office and working on a different project, they go to the studios to rehearse multiple choreographies in one day to then perform a different one in the evening," she adds.

"It is part of their routine but the amount of perseverance needed is incredible. As beautiful as the image of ballet is nowadays, I think it is important for the viewer to know the story of the dancers as well as of the piece itself. Photographing it all on film means that the rawness of the moment cannot be altered or shot again, it represents each step in its true light, without special effect or afterthought to create make-belief."

Her series was shot at different locations at The Royal Ballet and features principal dancers such as Lauren Cuthbertson, Steven McRae, Francesca Hayward and Beatriz Stix Brunell. Discover more at florediamant.com.

A Royal Ballet dancer lies on a studio floor in a white shirt and black trousers, viewed from above, during rehearsal
Two worn and well-used pointe shoes hanging from leather straps, showing layers of tulle and evidence of intensive use during ballet training and performance
A ballet dancer stands in a rehearsal studio with mirrored walls, wearing a dark practice top and looking pensively to the side as another dancer stretches in the background
Young dancer in profile holding a coffee cup whilst reviewing choreography notes backstage at The Royal Ballet studio
Mirror and desk at Stix-Brunell theatre featuring ballet pointe shoes, cosmetics, photographs and personal items pinned above
Close-up of ballet dancers' feet and legs in pointe shoes and socks on a studio floor during rehearsal
Dancer sits on the studio floor beside a ballet barre, taking a moment during rehearsal at The Royal Ballet
Dancer viewed from behind, holding their lower back with both hands in a studio with ballet barres
A ballet dancer in black practises a position with arms outstretched on a studio barre while another figure watches from behind in a minimalist rehearsal space
Ballet dancer's pointe shoes in close-up during rehearsal at The Royal Ballet
A ballet dancer in a black leotard with arms raised during a studio rehearsal, captured in black and white photography
Two Royal Ballet dancers rehearse in a studio with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, one seated and one standing in the bright, minimalist space
A Royal Ballet dancer smiles whilst sitting on a studio floor during a rehearsal break, surrounded by exercise equipment
Dancer stretching on a studio floor during rehearsal, wearing a striped t-shirt and black trousers, with a backpack and water bottle nearby
Dancer's legs en pointe on a studio floor, one leg wrapped in black and grey striped bandaging, captured in black and white photography
A male dancer in a sleeveless top stands in profile on a darkened stage, whilst another dancer stretches behind him during a Royal Ballet rehearsal
Dancer in a studio performing an arabesque penché at the barre beneath rows of ceiling lights, captured during a Royal Ballet rehearsal
Two ballet dancers lie on the studio floor during a rehearsal at The Royal Ballet, captured in black and white
Black and white photograph of a Royal Ballet dancer from behind, hand to head, in a studio during rehearsal
Royal Ballet dancers rehearse at the barre in the studio, with others visible in the mirror behind them
Four ballet dancers' feet in pointe shoes arranged on a grey floor, showing the physical toll of rehearsal and training
Overhead view of a ballet dancer taping their pointe shoe before rehearsal, in black and white
Dancers in a studio at The Royal Ballet during rehearsal, with two in the centre holding a barre whilst others practice nearby on the polished floor
Ballet pointe shoe with ribbons, scissors, and crumpled fabric laid out on a grey surface, showing the wear of rehearsal and performance preparation
A Royal Ballet dancer stretches at the barre during rehearsal whilst other dancers watch in the darkened studio
Empty dance studio with ballet barres, flooring and windows casting shadows of window frames across white walls
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