Often, we think of dancers as theatrical, perfect abstractions, creatures of and for the stage.  In undertaking this project, Linn Edwards wanted to capture “dancers in their homes, away from performance space, un-made-up and uncostumed.”  In doing so, she hoped to convey “details of how dancers live while “struggling on the small budget, pursuing their art at the expense of a more settled lifestyle.”  Still, the images hint at an intangible richness of life—yes, many dangers are reduced to practicing their cramped apartments, living without health insurance or steady paychecks.  They are forced into ridiculous sacrifices.  But they also pursue worlds of beauty and complexities that so many harried New Yorkers never contemplate at all.  Linn’s playful, quiet photographs capture some of these contradictory qualities.

Ayodele Casel, 30, is a professional tap dancer who toured internationally as the only female member of Savion Glover’s company, NYOT (Not Your Ordinary Tappers).  She is now a celebrated soloist, bringing humor and a street-wise sensuality to the long, rich tradition of rhythm tap.  Arthur Aviles, 42, is a Bessie Award-winning dancer choreographer.  In addition to his own company, Arthur Aviles Typical Theater, he has created a vibrant, welcoming performance space called BAAD (Bronx Academy of Art and Design), which present thought-provoking dance, theater and performance art to the Hunts Point community.

--Claudia La Rocco