Ballerinas In Ruins

Luiza Michalewicz
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Luiza Michalewicz
This event has concluded
Dates: -
Location: 107 Projects 107 Redfern St Redfern NSW 2016 Australia
Hours:
Entry Fee: Free

Ever since I was a little girl I was fascinated with the magical world of ballet: the unmatched beauty of the dancers, their exquisite costumes, uncompromised elegance and grace, the mesmerising and enchanting music, dazzling lights, and stunning theatrical backdrops.
The entire aura was like a secret garden or intriguing universe.
I travelled to Cuba to meet the most talented dancers who’s most life privileges were taken away by the political system. I wanted to witness their skills. I went in 2014 sadly without any luck of photographing at least one. Then I have waited for 5 years to go back. This time I was extremely lucky to find them.
These are real ballerinas in a real world, taking a centre stage in the middle of Havana- a city in ruins- all of them filled with enthusiasm and charisma, proudly performing in front of my camera. Their simple costumes, torn stockings, and worn out ballet shoes made them seem more beautiful and sophisticated.
Their jumps seemed higher, stretches longer, determination stronger. In spite challenging life circumstances, these young women exceeded my every expectation. They were delicate, feminine, soft while at the same time holding an air of hardness, resilience and power.

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I was born in Communistic Poland. There I studied and trained acrobatics. Competing in that sport allowed me to travel and experience different cultures outside my country. Got married at 18 and soon after moved to the USA. There I focused on studying biology and psychology. In 2004 moved to Adelaide, Australia where I started my family, got an MBA degree and created a business with my husband, father-in-law and friends. At one point I was lucky enough to realise that I needed to start pursuing my life passion: photography. I have enrolled into the Centre For Creative Photography School. Over the past 9 years I participated in various exhibitions, was featured during 2020 Head On Spotlight as well as became a Semi-finalist in the Head On Portrait Award 2021. I also won Best Overall Art Award and Photograph Art Award at the Walkerville Art Show in 2021.
I travelled to various locations just to get that ONE shot… I’m highly driven by my passion and it takes me many years and multiple trips like to Cuba or Japan to pursue what has been sitting in my mind. I continuously change and develop as a photographer. My biggest dream is to show my work to a wide audience and to bring them alive.

This event has concluded
Dates: -
Location: 107 Projects 107 Redfern St Redfern NSW 2016 Australia
Hours:
Entry Fee: Free

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