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Ultra-slow motion photography captures the anatomy of high-speed dance

For anyone that's studied dance at any level, this photography series will conjure memories of aching limbs and bandaged feet. For all the beauty of the final moves, a whole lot of work has gone into creating such stunning, physical art.

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Male ballet dancer performing a grand jeté against a black background in black and white photography

Leading Australian dancers across ballet, contemporary and break dance have collaborated in this project, extension, which was inspired by one simple idea – to showcase moment-in-time dance like never before.

The result is a visual feast of movement and light, which captures dance in ultra-slow motion, ultra-high-definition video. Conceptualising and bringing the project to fruition was Photographer, Niv Novak.

"The decisive moment of a dance ‘extension’ is a wondrous sight but it's over in an instant," said Novak, "what if this instant in time could be extended or elongated? An extension was born of this idea."

We've included some stills below, plus one of the video clips. See more at nivnovak.com or follow him on Instagram.

All images courtesy of Niv Novak

Shirtless male ballet dancer mid-leap against a black background, body arched with one leg extended and arms raised in an expressive pose
Male dancer suspended mid-air in a horizontal split position against a dark background, captured in ultra-slow motion photography
Male dancer in black shorts performing a horizontal balance move against a black background in Niv Novak's extension series
Shirtless male dancer suspended in mid-air against a dark background, one arm raised and legs extended in an dynamic contemporary dance pose
Male dancer supporting a female ballet dancer in a grand jeté leap, both captured mid-movement against a white background
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