Creating portraits of Joy-Marie, a dancer/choreographer currently based in Pittsburgh, is a visual oasis that celebrates her dignity, strength and inner spirit. I first met and photographed her in the summer of 2017 while serving as photographer-in-residence at Springboard Danse Montreal, and then we began to meet periodically in New York City to continue our visual explorations. Our last photography session took place shortly before everyone’s life changed in these unsettling times.
In Joy-Marie's words: Dance for me is the daily practice to share my passion for life, love, and generosity. Dance is a healing mechanism and a celebration. Dance expresses the highest of highs, the lowest of lows and the in-between. I am forever indebted to my body, for the ability to channel my spirit in real time.