It all started as a transatlantic zoom conversation to see if Dorothee Elfring (from Barcelona) and I could dream up a collaborative project together. Dorothee is a uber-talented professional dance photographer with a style very different from mine and we thought we could work cooperatively together as well as learn from each other. We worked via zoom for one and a half years and with local talented professional dancers to produce this multifaceted opus.
We made this beautiful moving short 7 min movie. You can check it out here.
“TutuTango: A Cinematic Encounter Across Continents in 4 Acts”
Enter the spellbinding world of “TutuTango,” an enchanting film that explores the profound psychology behind an extraordinary encounter between a ballet dancer and a tango dancer. This captivating documentary takes you on a visual journey through the raw and emotive essence of human connection.
The film unfolds in four acts:
Act I: “I See You” – Witness the moment of initial recognition, where two worlds collide through the lens of the camera. Experience the sparks of curiosity and anticipation as the dancers connect across continents, bound only by their shared art.
Act II: “I Prepare for You” – Immerse yourself in the transformation as the dancers prepare their bodies and minds for the encounter. Feel the dedication, discipline, and passion that drive them toward perfection.
Act III: “I Feel You” – Dive into the electric intensity of the encounter itself. Explore the fusion of ballet’s grace and tango’s sensuality as the dancers reach across oceans to connect on a profound level.
Act IV: “I Miss You” – Experience the bittersweet ache of separation as the dancers part ways, their connection immortalized in each frame. This act delves into the longing and nostalgia that follow, with the tantalizing possibility of future collaboration.
Beyond the breathtaking visuals, “TutuTango” offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the intricate psychological and photographic processes that brought this extraordinary project to life. Learn how two different filmmakers, separated by the Atlantic, united their work to create this documentary.
This film is a celebration of the universal language of dance, the power of human connection, and the artistry of filmmaking. “TutuTango” is a testament to the boundless possibilities of creativity and collaboration, proving that the beauty of human encounters knows no geographical boundaries.
We have already screened the movie in a gallery in Barcelona and staged an exhibition of our photos. This was the first time we had met in person. The dancers have never met. TutuTango has been selected 9 times and received awards at national and international Film Festivals.
We are planning a bigger photo exhibition, with an installation and film showing at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. This includes a free flowing Silk Mobile of the 5′ by 2′ characters from the movie rotating around each other.
We also have plans for a choreographed ballet with the Tampa City Ballet, based on the film.
We also just published a 13×11” 80 page Book of the movie. You can buy the hardback book or download the pdf here.
https://www.blurb.com/b/11710348-tututango
This has been a labor of love but an amazing learning experience.