Through the Lens of a Dancer
October 8 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Under the tutelage of legends such as George Balanchine and Mikhail Baryshnikov, while surrounded by ballet’s most accomplished professional dancers, Steven Caras also became one of artform’s most distinguished photographers. Through the Lens of a Dancer brings Cara’s talent to a new medium, and through it tells the story of his life – taking readers through the complex and all-consuming world of ballet, and relaying for the first time all of the personal moments within.
If you are unable to attend the event, but would like to purchase one or more copies, please visit Buxton Books here.
About the Book
With the eye of a photographer and the deftness of a dancer, Caras delves into the beautiful but all—consuming world of ballet—from the miracles and mishaps on the stage to the intricate interpersonal workings off of it—taking readers through his life with humor and candor. At a young age, Steven Caras formed an almost unwilling passion for dance, telling his mother that “boys don’t do that” when prompted about his interest—yet it would be ballet that shaped the course of his life. Under the tutelage of legends like George Balanchine and surrounded by the form’s most accomplished professionals, Caras learned the art of ballet from the very best and eventually became one of dance’s most distinguished photographers. The Emmy Award–winning PBS documentary Steven Caras: See Them Dance captured Caras’s life on film, and Through the Lens of a Dancer brings Caras’s talent to a new artistic medium, delving deeper into the story and tells the captivating story of his life, including his rise as a dancer and life as a photographer, his turmoil as he wrestled with his sexuality, the relationships that shaped him, and the many moments in between. This limited print—run hardcover edition is signed and placed in a gorgeous slipcase that features the author’s treasured photography.
About the Author
Steven Caras was born and raised in Northern New Jersey, where he began studying ballet at the age of fifteen. Three years later, he was invited to join the New York City Ballet by its founder, the legendary George Balanchine. Over the next fourteen years, Caras fought hard to measure up under the vigilant scrutiny of “Mr. B,” dancing worldwide in numerous masterworks choreographed by Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. Noting Caras’s reverence for his gifted colleagues along with an inseparable bond with his used Olympus camera, Balanchine granted him full access to document all aspects of company activity—a world few were privy to. His mentor’s unwavering encouragement planted the seed that would grow into a luminous second career for Caras as one of the most respected image makers of dance in our time. For more than four decades, his work has continually appeared internationally in prominent publications, films and documentaries, exhibitions, and private collections. Today, Caras is a much sought-after keynote speaker, guest teacher, and overall advocate for the arts and education.