Infinite Steps: Ballet Dancers’ Journeys Revealed in New Book & Photos

Dance photographer Gene Schiavone and writer Gavin Larsen are offering a rare glimpse behind the curtain of the ballet world with their new book, Infinite Steps. Released this month, the project isn’t a typical coffee-table collection of attractive images, but a deeply personal exploration of the lives and journeys of 33 dancers, captured through Schiavone’s photography and Larsen’s insightful interviews. Schiavone, who served as American Ballet Theatre’s staff photographer for two decades until his retirement in 2020, amassed a vast archive of images, and this book represents a culmination of that work and a desire to share the stories behind the artistry.

Beyond the Spotlight: A Collective Portrait

The idea for Infinite Steps evolved from Schiavone’s desire to do more than simply showcase pretty pictures. He wanted to reveal the dedication, sacrifice, and complex emotions that define a dancer’s life. Larsen, a former professional ballerina and author of the autobiography Being a Ballerina, proved to be the ideal collaborator. Together, they crafted a narrative that moves beyond the glamour of performance to explore the realities of a demanding art form. The book, published by the University of Florida Press, features both internationally renowned stars like Maria Kochetkova and Roberto Bolle, as well as lesser-known dancers whose stories offer a broader perspective on the ballet landscape.

“We both agreed right away that it should not be just all big names,” Larsen explained in an interview with Dance Magazine. “We wanted to demonstrate the hard and the light, the success and the non-success, and pull back the curtain on why people make the choices they make.” This commitment to inclusivity is a defining characteristic of the project, offering a nuanced and honest portrayal of the ballet world.

From Photo to Story: A Collaborative Process

Schiavone initiated the process by selecting photographs that resonated with him, images he felt held the potential to spark meaningful conversations. He then partnered with Larsen, who conducted in-depth interviews with each dancer. Larsen’s approach was to begin by sharing a selection of Schiavone’s photos, prompting the dancers to reflect on the memories and emotions they evoked. From there, she allowed the conversations to unfold organically, guided by the dancers’ own experiences, and perspectives. This method allowed for a level of intimacy and candor that is often absent in traditional dance biographies.

The resulting profiles are remarkably diverse. One story features Annalisse Veldhuyzen VanZanten, a dancer who began ballet at age 14 and quickly realized she was facing an expiration date on her professional career. She embraced a short, intense period of performance, knowing she would pursue a degree in biochemistry afterward. Another profile highlights Cory Stearns, a principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre who openly discussed the competitive and sometimes unwelcoming atmosphere he encountered early in his career. American Ballet Theatre has a long and storied history, and Stearns’ experience sheds light on the evolving culture within the company.

The Weight of Expectations and the Pursuit of Purpose

Larsen was often moved by the vulnerability and honesty of the dancers she interviewed. She recounted being particularly struck by the story of an anonymous dancer who battled bulimia and ultimately chose to exit ballet to prioritize her health. Handling such sensitive narratives required a delicate touch, but Larsen was determined to honor the dancers’ trust and share their stories with authenticity. She aimed to create a book that felt like a direct conversation with the dancers themselves, allowing readers to connect with their humanity beyond their technical skill.

A recurring theme throughout Infinite Steps is the unwavering dedication that drives dancers to overcome immense challenges. “It’s not a life of joy all the time—it’s colored by light and dark and ups and downs,” Larsen observed. “But dancers dance because they have this sense of purpose. They know deep down that This represents what they’re meant to do.” This intrinsic motivation, she argues, is what sustains them through the physical and emotional demands of a career in ballet.

A Legacy of Images: Gene Schiavone’s Contribution

Gene Schiavone’s work extends beyond American Ballet Theatre. As noted on his Facebook page, he has also photographed dancers from the Boston Ballet, the Mariinsky Theatre, and the Bolshoi Ballet, as well as providing studio photography for students and professionals. His eye for capturing both the technical precision and the emotional depth of ballet is evident throughout Infinite Steps. The book serves as a testament to his two decades of documenting the art form and his commitment to preserving the stories of the dancers he photographed. You can view some of his work with American Ballet Theatre on his website, Gene Schiavone Ballet Photography.

Paloma Herrera’s Perspective: Embracing What Was

Larsen shared a particularly poignant observation from her interview with Paloma Herrera, a celebrated former principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre. Herrera expressed a sense of contentment and gratitude for her career, stating that she didn’t yearn to return to the stage. “She said, ‘I remember the joy. I remember the exhilaration of that performance. I remember the difficulty of that role. But I don’t desire it again. That was then, and now is now.’ ” This perspective, Larsen noted, highlights the importance of embracing each stage of life and finding fulfillment in new pursuits.

Looking Ahead: A Lasting Impact

Infinite Steps offers a powerful and moving portrait of the ballet world, one that transcends the traditional focus on star power and technical virtuosity. By giving voice to a diverse range of dancers, Schiavone and Larsen have created a book that is both inspiring and thought-provoking. The project is likely to resonate with ballet enthusiasts, aspiring dancers, and anyone interested in the human stories behind artistic achievement. The book is currently available for purchase, and is poised to grow a valuable resource for understanding the complexities and rewards of a life dedicated to dance.