Dance photography presents many of the same challenges as dancing itself.  With difficult lighting conditions and transitory moments, dance photography takes a unique combination of technical skill, quick reflexes, and dedication by both dancer and photographer to capture such dynamic movements in one frame.

When Jim Lykins first contacted Polara to encourage us to submit to the “Portland, Dancing” photography exhibit, he raved about an image in the 2011 calendar Derrin Battles had taken for Bodyvox of Ashley Roland hoisting her partner, Jamie Hampton, on her shoulders as one of the finest example of strength in a female dancer he had ever seen. Photographers Michael Shay, Jeremy Dunham, Derrin Battles, Steve Cherry and Jay Lawrence were all honored to have been asked. Images from the Bodyvox 2010 calendar, which were shot at multiple, iconic locations in Portland, were selected and submitted to this fusion of photographic and dance artistry.

The show, which showcases these images from 2010, runs until May 31st at the Portland Center of the Performing Arts gallery.  So stop by to see the results of this most natural collaboration between two of Portland’s most outstanding creative communities, dance and photography.

While you’re at it, the images here are from this year’s calendar — the result of a fun three-way collaboration between Bodyvox, Polara Studio and many of the best-known illustrators from Portland’s thriving comic scene.