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Editorial Dance Portrait Series Celebrating Women in Movement

Forward Motion is an editorial photography series celebrating women dancers through expressive studio portraiture. Rooted in ballet and modern dance traditions, this project explores strength, transition, and identity—capturing movement as both form and personal narrative.

This collaborative series will feature 15–20 women dancers of all ages, ethnicities, and experience levels. Final imagery is intended for exhibition, publication, and fine-art print presentation.

Location: Studio Oronoco; Old Town Alexandria, VA

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Movement tells a story long before words appear.

Forward Motion is designed as a cohesive visual body of work that highlights the discipline, artistry, and individuality of women dancers. Each studio session blends stillness and motion—revealing moments of balance, breath, and controlled release.

By photographing dancers from varied backgrounds and stages of life, this series aims to expand the traditional narrative of dance portraiture while maintaining a refined editorial aesthetic suitable for magazines, books, and gallery walls.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

This project is open to women dancers of all backgrounds. You are encouraged to apply if you:

Are interested in participating in a collaborative editorial art project

Identify as a woman

Have experience in ballet, modern, or contemporary dance

WHAT SELECTED PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE

  • A professionally directed studio portrait session

  • A curated selection of fully edited, high-resolution images

  • Inclusion in the Forward Motion editorial series

  • Consideration for gallery exhibition, print publication, and book features

There is no participation fee.
Additional images, fine-art prints, and wall portraits will be available for purchase.

SESSION DETAILS

  • Location: Alexandria, VA

  • Session Length: Approximately 60-90 minutes

  • Shoot Window: [February–April, 2026]

  • Wardrobe: Simple, movement-friendly attire (guidelines provided upon selection)

All sessions will be photographed in studio using lighting and visual direction to ensure cohesion across the final series.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are now open.

Applicants will be asked to share basic information, dance background, and a short written response reflecting on movement and identity.

Application Deadline: April 1, 2026

Selected participants will be notified by: February 17, 2026

APPLY NOW

THE VISION BEYOND THE SHOOT

Forward Motion is designed to live beyond the studio session.

Planned outcomes include:

  • A curated gallery exhibition and launch event with potential live performance

  • A printed lookbook or fine-art book

  • Editorial submissions to dance and arts publications

Participants will be invited to attend and celebrate the completed series.

Our Studio

105 Oronoco Street

Alexandria, VA

Step into a space designed for creativity and stunning portraits. My studio is the perfect setting for capturing timeless images in a relaxed and professional environment.

Let’s create something beautiful together!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a paid opportunity?

This is a collaborative editorial project, not a paid commercial assignment. There is no cost to participate, and selected dancers receive professionally edited images.

How many images will participants receive?

Each selected dancer will receive up to 7 curated images from their session. Additional images and fine-art products will be available for purchase.

Do I need to be a professional dancer?

No. While experience is helpful, dancers of all experience levels—including students, instructors, and non-professionals—are encouraged to apply.

Is there an age limit?

No. This project intentionally welcomes dancers of all ages.  However, children under the age of 18 must have parental or guardian consent.

What styles of dance are you looking for?

Ballet, modern, and contemporary dancers are the primary focus. Hybrid backgrounds are welcome.

What should I wear?

Simple, movement-friendly attire is recommended. Neutral tones and clean silhouettes photograph best. Selected participants will receive detailed wardrobe guidance.

Will images be published?

Publication and exhibition are goals of the project, but cannot be guaranteed. All selected dancers will be professionally photographed and included in the final series.

Where will the photoshoot take place?

Sessions will take place in Alexandria, VA, unless prior arrangements have been made.

How will dancers be selected?

Selections will be made to ensure diversity in age, background, dance style, and visual cohesion across the series.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Cynthia Bennett is a portrait photographer based in Alexandria, Virginia, specializing in editorial and family portraiture. Her work focuses on storytelling through expression and connection, with an emphasis on women and creative communities.

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LEARN MORE

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

For inquiries about the project, please contact:
info@cynthiabennettphotography.com
Instagram: @cynthiabennettphotography

Forward Motion is a collaborative creative project. Participation does not guarantee publication, but all selected dancers will be professionally photographed and included in the final series.

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