Any time I have the opportunity to incorporate dance into a personal project, I jump at it. Whether its a music video, an event, or a fashion editorial shoot, movement brings so much vitality and spark to the human form.
I’m thankful to have been introduced to #CamerasAndDancers a few years back after I moved to Los Angeles. #CamerasAndDancers is a location-specific Instameet produced by Jacob Jonas The Company, and co-hosted by a photographer, a dance company, and a venue. The latter is typically a cultural institution or architectural space. #CamerasAndDancers gives dancers and photographers a chance to spontaneously and freely collaborate.
I’ve participated in seven different collaborations and co-hosted one of them. Along the way I’ve made countless friends—both dancers and photographers—and learned a ton in the process. I love hearing life stories, learning the names of dance moves, coming up with interesting compositions. The entire experience is inspiring and I always walk away with a sense of satisfaction and revitalization.
Most dancers start training at a young age and spend their entire lives working on their craft. I haven’t been holding a camera that long! I have huge admiration and respect for all dancers. I hope in some small way I can showcase this feeling through my photos.
Jason Travis is a photographer, designer, illustrator, and musician based in Los Angeles. His work has been featured by CNN, USA Today, Gizmodo, BuzzFeed, BOOOOOOOM, and many more. He’s allergic to cats, carrots, and will forever love the 90s. He is currently TPJ’s Photographer-in-Residence.
Website | Instagram
Dancers (In Order of Appearance):
Stephanie Kim
Julia Erickson
Patricia Zhou
Nathan Makolandra
David Freeland
Daisy Jacobson
Francisco Mungamba
Miranda Wattier
Nic Walton
Jill Wilson
Michael Trusnovec
Tiffany Smith
Axel Ibot
Jacob Jonas
Joy Isabella Brown
Natasha Patterson
Jérémi Lévesque
Francisco Preciado
Georgia Bryan
Mary Grace Philips
Emma Rosenzweig-Bock
Luis Martinez
Dani Coleman
Jessica Gadzinski
Mike Tyus
Simon Greenberg
Dance Companies:
L.A. Dance Project
Paul Taylor Dance
Barak Ballet
The 7 Fingers
Diavola
Locations:
Santa Monica Pier
The Wallis
Grand Park
L.A. Dance Project
Santa Monica College
The Goat Farm Arts Center
Check out Jason’s other TPJ photo essays:
Suburban Youth
Lull
Mind Glow
Alliance
Vanished Spirits
Paradigm
Sye
Grlswirl
Somewhere
Ellissa & Harry
Alley Cat
Flowers or Fruit
Universal
Elemental