This May, The National Museum of Dance is delighted to welcome the photography of Richard Calmes to the Art in the Foyer program. The Art in the Foyer program at the museum is designed to recognize fine art that is inspired by dance. This new exhibition of Art in the Foyer is Dance Magic: the Photography of Richard Calmes.
Richard Calmes has turned a passion for photographing dancers into an internationally acclaimed retirement career. This Atlanta-based visual artist has journeyed from the boardrooms of the software industry, where he was a high-ranking executive, to dance studios where he captures beauty with his camera.
The journey began long before any dance photos were taken. Calmes experienced contact with the dance world through his wife and daughter, both dancers. He worked behind the scenes with dance companies in the areas of marketing, fundraising, and board development before he took his first ballet picture. Photography had always been a major part of his life, and he was a combat photographer in Viet Nam. The transition from dance company supporter to dance photographer was an immediate revelation for him. From the first session of photos taken for marketing purposes 8 years ago, he was on a definitive path.
Since 2006, he has built a reputation for focusing on the dancer and celebrating the beauty of the dancer’s body, the instrument that takes so many years to perfect. He also conducts this career with emphasis on philanthropy, giving his art for free in most instances. For the past 6 years, he has only photographed dancers. As a result, he has grown an international following, with numerous dance and photography periodical covers and several exhibitions. His web site has received over 38 million visits over the past 6 years. He maintains a relationship with grass roots dance organizations such as Regional Dance America and believes that beautiful dancers are found everywhere.
The Opening reception for Dance Magic: the Photography of Richard Calmes will be held Friday May 30 at 6pm at the National Museum of Dance, 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Join us for wine and light hors d’ oeuvres and help us celebrate the exciting new installation of Art in the Foyer.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DANCE 