The vivid blacks and reds are breathtaking, symbiotic and underscored by the white ground. The comparison of the shiny boots, hair and the – what looks like velvet – dress help the shot pulse variously with its rhythm of absorption and reflection of light, texture and smoothness. The physicality and athleticism of the pose repeats the visual tension of the boot that not only points upwards but seems to be pulling everything else in the shot with it as though it were on its way through the top of the frame. The line created by the taut strand of dress fabric from the subject’s knee to her right hand abets this ascension and tension.

A nice dialog of various sized triangles collected by the large one from the subject’s hand to the tip of the ballet boot, down to her left knee. The emotional − if not geographical − center of the picture, what compels us, is the plaintiff, almost musical expression of the subject. Yet, for as far to the right this “center” is, the composition doesn’t “tip over” because the shadows on the left side of the frame act as an outrigger helped by the force of the strong SE-to-NW diagonal line created by the left hand upwards to the boot.

A good dance shot, lots of movement. A beautiful study.