Creating portraits of Joy-Marie, a dancer/choreographer currently based in New York, is a visual oasis that celebrates her dignity, strength and inner spirit. I first met and photographed her in the summer of 2017 while serving as photographer-in-residence at Springboard Danse Montreal. We then we began to meet periodically in New York City to continue our visual explorations. After a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, Joy-Marie and I reunited to create a new body of work that is being showcased here for the first time. We both cherish our ongoing collaboration.
In Joy-Marie's words: Dance for me is the daily practice to share my passion for life, love, and generosity. Dance is a healing mechanism and a celebration. Dance expresses the highest of highs, the lowest of lows and the in-between. I am forever indebted to my body, for the ability to channel my spirit in real time.