Behind the Barre captures the raw essence of ballet—a fusion of artistry, pain, and relentless passion. Shot at the iconic Royal Ballet and Opera in London, the series unfolds in a studio overlooking the city’s twilight skyline, where the dancer’s movements blend elegance with intensity.

Set to the haunting strains of Black Swan, he performed with breathtaking precision, each step echoing years of sacrifice—bloodied toes, sweat, and unwavering dedication. Flash photography highlighted both the ethereal beauty and the gruelling discipline behind the applause.

This shoot reveals the unseen side of ballet: the solitude, the struggle, and the triumph found within. Through Behind the Barre, I sought to honour the resilience and devotion that define a dancer’s journey—a visual ode to their craft.

“Being in the studio only with one's reflection in the mirror. True definition of self - ballet dancer in its

purest artistic form. Most rigorous teacher and, the one who cares about its genius mind, carried by an

angelic body. Exhausted by the loud voices of the surrounding, only enchanted by the music. Awakened by

it, as if this was the only way to revive body particles and move seamlessly. Hundreds of hours rehearsing

in sweat, blisters with blood, and sometimes tears before it’s all muted by the applause of rewarding

audiences after the performance. One can’t stop, its machine needs constant attention to detail and to

refuel properly. There are days like this one when we breathe for a moment before departing onto the stage again.“- Stanisław Węgrzyn