An idea born out of the passion to tell a story to representing my country on a global stage at World EXPO in Osaka. Achievement doesn’t come without hard work dedication and sacrifice but most of all it comes down to belief, belief in ourselves and those who believe in us.
From passion project to representing my Country at World EXPO, Osaka, Japan, World Health Week 25th June – 2nd July 2025 ‘The Silence After Applause’ shooting the portraits of elite dancers in the unseen moments taken in the first few seconds off stage.
Captured throughout BRB’s 2024/25/26 seasons, intimate portraiture offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain, portraying dancers in the quiet moments before, during, and after performance. These images reveal both the discipline and vulnerability of life on stage, asking a powerful question: ‘What happens once the applause fades?’
The project is highlighting world first research into Relative Energy Deficiency in Dance (RED-D). Led by BRB’s Clinical Director, Dr Nick Allen, this pioneering study explores a condition that critically affects the physical and mental health of dancers by disrupting the body’s energy balance, a serious issue when energy intake fails to meet the extreme demands of elite performance.
For me photography is the perfect medium to record these captured moments in time, the myriad of feelings and emotions; relief, joy, ecstasy, tears, pain and exhaustion. Thanks to Canon I’ve been able to use new and cutting-edge cameras, lenses and fine art archival printers to bring this story to life and share it with a global audience. Forming a bond with the dancers and being a part of their world has been one of the greatest privileges of my career and the most moving part of this on-going journey. They are a family like no other.
Captured on the very latest Canon cameras and primes and hybrid prime lenses and printed on imagePROGRAF PRO fine art archival printers, inks and Hahnemuhle fine art sustainable and archival paper.. With additional elevated printing for the visually impaired with audio descriptions.
A powerful “behind-the-curtain” exhibition that reveals the elation, the friendships and the pain behind the on-stage perfection of professional ballet. I was extremely moved by the honesty of the photos that portray in exquisite detail the athleticism, poise and dedication of the Birmingham Royal Ballet dancers. Unforgettable.
Michael Blyth UK Consul General – Osaka,
Visiting The Silence After Applause in the UK Pavilion at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka was a profoundly thought provoking experience. Curated by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, the exhibition offered a raw and compelling insight into the lives of ballet dancers beyond the stage. Through beautiful and evocative imagery and personal stories, it revealed the unseen sacrifices, resilience, and passion of these extraordinary artists. It challenged my perceptions, highlighting the gruelling physical and emotional demands behind their elegance and grace. This exhibition not only celebrated their artistry but also humanised their relentless pursuit of perfection, leaving me with a deep appreciation for their craft. Was brilliant to see these stories being exhibited at such an important event, showing British Arts at the best on an international platform.
Harry Ingram, Private Secretary to Permanent Secretaries UK Civil Service
Camera: Canon EOS R5 MKII, lenses: Canon RF50mm F1.2 L USM RF35mm F1.4 L VCM, Printer: Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4600 44” A0, Photo, Fine Art, Paper: Hahnemühle Bamboo Gloss Baryta 305 gsm, 90% bamboo fibres, 10% cotton, natural white