“LIGHTER THAN AIR”: This photograph of American Repertory Ballet (ARB) member Annie Johnson by Harald Schrader is one of many to be featured in an exhibit on view September 17 and 18 at ARB and Princeton Ballet School’s studios located at 301 North Harrison Street. Schrader and members of ARB will be in attendance for an opening reception on September 17 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Join American Repertory Ballet (ARB) on September 17-18 for “Lighter Than Air,” an exhibit by renowned photographer Harald Schrader. This photographic series will feature images of American Repertory Ballet company members and artistic leadership, including Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel and Artistic Associate Gillian Murphy.

Schrader, a formally trained photographer and longtime Princeton resident, studied in Berlin and Hannover in Germany. He has collaborated with performing and visual artists in Italy, Germany, the U.S., and Canada. Schrader honed his craft in portrait photography, acting as first assistant to Mary Ellen Mark in New York City and Dieter Eikelpoth in Düsseldorf and London. He has been especially fascinated by the representation of the human form in movement, resulting in his dedication for photographing the performing arts, dance in particular.

“What has most driven me in my passion for photographing dance is the challenge of capturing the illusion of lightness, an imaginary world free from the constraints of gravity,” said Schrader. “American Repertory Ballet, under the expert direction of Ethan Stiefel and Gillian Murphy, truly succeeds in mastering this illusion.”

Schrader continued, “The goal of this exhibition is to share my impressions of ARB within the context of a photographic studio. I view it as an ever-evolving work in progress that reveals the essence of what makes ARB’s dancers unique and world class.”

Images on exhibit will capture both the dynamic and quiet moments of ballet. Schrader’s photography has been featured in ARB performance graphics for Stiefel’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the upcoming performance of Kaleidoscope at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center September 23-25, as well as in the launch of the new arballet.org website.

“Harald’s exceptional vision and craft bring so much more to this collaboration than just capturing brilliant photos. The aesthetic, the heart, and the innovation that he gives rise to and generously shares with all of us at ARB is profound and impactful,” said Stiefel.

“It was such a joy working with Harald,” said ARB company dancer Michelle Quiner. “While shooting, he gave me really cool ideas, while at the same time letting me freely be myself. All the photos turned out absolutely stunning! On top of all his talent behind the lens, he is also such a fun and kind person to be around. “

Lighter Than Air will be on exhibit September 17-18 at American Repertory Ballet and Princeton Ballet School’s studios located at 301 North Harrison Street, Unit C. Schrader and members of American Repertory Ballet will be in attendance for the opening reception on September 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. Exhibit hours on September 18 are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Select images will also be on exhibit September 23-25 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, during performances of Kaleidoscope.

“It has been an extraordinary experience collaborating with such a talented group of artists.” says Schrader. “Their virtuosity and expressiveness combined with stunning athleticism exude nothing less than the pure pleasure of dancing. I hope the viewer will be as awestruck as I have been.”

For more information, visit arballet.org.