Movement at the Still Point: An Ode to Dance
| Author | Mark Mann |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Rizzoli |
Publication date | March 21, 2023 |
| Pages | 240 |
| ISBN | 978-0-8478-9911-1 |
Movement at the Still Point: An Ode to Dance is a photography book by portrait photographer Mark Mann, published by Rizzoli in 2023.[1] The book presents black-and-white photographs of dance artists in both posed portraiture and movement imagery and includes a foreword by Chita Rivera.[2]
Background
The project originating during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was suggested that Mann photograph dancers who were experiencing the effects of isolation and the loss of performance opportunities; Mann then began photographing dancers starting in 2021.[3] The work developed into a monograph combining action images with close-up portraits[4] using a 120mm lens.[5]
Mann collaborated with dancers and choreographer's from various institutions, including Sara Mearns, Carmen de Lavallade, Gus Solomons Jr.[6]
The book's title is a reference to T. S. Eliot Four Quartets.[7]
Performance
To celebrate the publication of the monograph, a one-night performance was held at The Joyce Theater on April 10, 2023 with dancers from the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and the Martha Graham Dance Company.[4]
Reception
Dance Informa Magazine wrote that the black and white photographs include dancers across multiple forms including ballet, Broadway, hip hop, ballroom, flamenco, vogue, and tap.[2] The Brooklyn Rail discussed the difficulty of conveying dance in still photography and wrote that the book presents dancers both in motion and in portrait photographs.[3] American dancer Wendy Perron praised the photographs’ as "timeless", with the book covering 142 dance artists with both a portrait and a full-body image, also noting the inclusion of dancers across a wide range of ages.[8] Rangefinder characterized the book as a pandemic-era project that mixes motion imagery with close-up portraits.[9]
References
- ^ "Movement at the Still Point: An Ode to Dance". Rizzoli New York. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ^ a b Lancaster, Lynne. "Book review: 'Movement at the Still Point: An Ode to Dance' by Mark Mann". Dance Informa Magazine. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ^ a b Yung, Susan (June 2023). "Intimacy from a Distance". The Brooklyn Rail. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ^ a b "Photographer Mark Mann moves in new direction to capture dancers amid pandemic - CBS New York". www.cbsnews.com. 2023-04-10. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ^ "Movement at the Still Point – a glorious new coffee table book by Mark Mann celebrating the New York dance scene". 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ^ "MOVEMENT AT THE STILL POINT: AN EVENING OF DANCE | This Week in New York". Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ^ Lancaster, Lynne (May 2023). "Book review: 'Movement at the Still Point: An Ode to Dance' by Mark Mann". Dance Informa Magazine. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ^ Perron, Wendy. "Notable Dance Books of 2023". WENDY PERRON. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ^ Cornfield, Jim (12 April 2023). "Photo Books: Compelling New Titles for Spring 2023". Rangefinder. Retrieved 1 January 2026.