Fleur de Lis Academy, a Wilton-based dance studio, has just launched its Encore Youth Dance Company, an intensive dance program that provides students with the opportunity to train and perform in a pre-professional environment. Fleur de Lis’ owner Michelle Sperry created it as a non-profit dance company, she says, so that, “both kids who can’t afford it and children just on their merit as dancers can be a part of this company, and it will be affordable and accessible whether you can or can’t afford it.”
She’s launching Encore with a gala celebration on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 3-6 p.m.. The event is free, open to the public and includes dance performances by the junior and senior Encore Youth Company members, refreshments, a wine tasting and a silent auction.
But she also came up with a unique way to commemorate the launch of her dream idea. She invited several Wilton-area photographers to collaborate on a photo project to capture images of her company’s dancers with their own unique vision.
“Last spring I went to a meeting of the Wilton Women’s Small Business Owners network, and someone made a comment about remembering that competitors might be in the room. Photographer Andrea Topalian was there and she said how she was friends with her competitors and how everyone was so nice. I remember being blown away by that,” Sperry recalls, adding, “It hasn’t always been that way in the dance field.”
That appreciation of friendly competition inspired the idea to ask the different photographers to join the project, and Sperry was thrilled when almost everyone immediately said yes. Not only that, but she says their level of cooperation was unprecedented, given that it was for her non-profit group.
“They were so great with each other and respectful. They made sure their styles and ideas didn’t overlap. They were creative–none of them did canned, typical dance studio shots. They’ve each taken their own spin on how to capture the dancers. Some are printing the images at their own cost. And they’re allowing their work to hang together, which is unheard of,” Sperry says.
What’s more, Gordon Flash of Gateway Art and Framing, a nearby Wilton business, did all the framing for the project under cost.
“Everyone put their heart into this with such charitable spirit. They stepped up to do this for the good of the kids,” Sperry says. “It’s coming to life more than I could have ever expected.”
The images will debut as a collection at Saturday’s event, and stay in the studio as a living gallery. Sperry is giving GOOD Morning Wilton readers an exclusive sneak peak at work from each of the photographers.
Encore supplied information on each of the photographers who participated along with the image they created for the dance company. Each photographer’s credit and information appears below his or her work.
Debra Somerville is a freelance photographer working in and around Fairfield County for the past 20 years. Debra began her career in NYC where she studied photography at the ICP/International Center for Photography. She began working as a fashion photographer and now lives and works in Westport Ct. Her clients include WishList, LeTarte Swimwear, Beverly Feldman Shoes, In2Designs, Evocatour, Hair Salon/Nicolas French as well as many others. She also helps young models & actors with their portfolios & head-shots and is a scout for Click Model Management in NYC. www.debrasomerville.com
Peggy Garbus “As a portrait photographer, my goal is to capture the essence of your family, the personality of your child, or the joy of your family celebration or event. You’ll find my style to be very warm and engaging, which brings out so many fun expressions on the faces of your loved ones. Some are so unexpected, they’ll be hard to resist. Being a photographer is the best job in the world. Every day I am inspired by the people I meet, and the moments we capture. I know you’ll be inspired too.” peggygarbus.com
Ema Whittaker‘s earliest memories of taking photographs as a child were with her father. In 2002 she began her career in London, England. At that time she was still using 35mm. Today Ema enjoys using her DSLR and the latest digital photography available. Ema was born and raised in England, and she speaks 3 languages, English, French & Japanese. www.emawhittakerphotography.com
Justin Baiad is an avid photographer and a lifelong learner. Justin began his academic career at Western Connecticut University studying public relations writing, but is currently studying web based application development. www.blastcommand.com
LarJ loves photography, dancing and Netflix. Her dream client: “One who laughs ALMOST as much as I do. One who values photography. One who is true to him/herself and will allow me the honor of capturing his/her personality.” www.photographybylarj.com
Moments by Andrea Photography If you’re searching for a highly experienced professional photographer, your search ends with Andrea. She has captured precious moments in the form of timeless photographs for hundreds of happy families. Her galleries reveal Andrea’s talent for capturing classic and creative family photography, natural light children’s images, and flattering headshots. Andrea is an award winning photographer who is sentimental, patient, and passionate about photography and family. “I have always been sentimental and believe that our strongest memories of childhood come from our pictures!” momentsbyandrea.com
Nina Pomeroy “I want to change the way you think of family and children’s portraits. With my own fresh perspective I seek to create a documentary of your life using my eye for composition as a fine art photographer. Best known for insightful images, my style is best described as easy-going, fun-loving and patient. My professional experience, fresh ideas, special attention to detail are just some of the reasons my clients keep coming back year after year since the start of my business back in 2000.” ninapomeroy.com
Xenia Photography “I am a Lifestyle and Family Portrait Photographer. Through my documentary style photography, I aim to capture those fleeting moments that cease to exist in a blink of eye. Like, the way your daughter twists her hair in deep thought, how you held your son so close while singing a lullaby, and even the way your children play together during bath time. These every day, honest moments are the ones that seem to be forgotten easily. Life happens so fast. I help make the precious moments of your life today into timeless images and beautiful art that will help you remember them for a lifetime. www.xeniaphotography.com
Gateway Art and Framing is the premier framing and art center serving Fairfield County. Established in 1985, we have over 27 years of experience in framing. With over 500 frames to choose from we can help you find exactly what you are looking for. Our monthly and seasonal specials always offer our regular customers extra value during holiday and/or gift-giving occasions. We also provide our corporate customers with an extensive collection of high-end collectibles. Feel free to contact us about opening a corporate account. www.gatewayartandframing.com
Fleur de Lis is located at 1 Danbury Rd.
