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Dancers After Dark
'Dancers After Dark' is an amazing celebration of the human body and the human spirit, as dancers, photographed nude and at night, strike poses of fearless beauty.
Without a permit or a plan, Jordan Matter led hundreds of the most exciting dancers in the world out of their comfort zones—not to mention their clothes—to explore the most compelling reaches of beauty and the human form. After all the risk and daring, the result is extraordinary: 300 dancers, 400 locations, more than 150 stunning photographs. And no clothes, no arrests, no regrets.
Each image highlights the amazing abilities of these artists—and presents a core message to the reader: Say yes rather than no, and embrace the risks and opportunities that life presents.
Without a permit or a plan, Jordan Matter led hundreds of the most exciting dancers in the world out of their comfort zones—not to mention their clothes—to explore the most compelling reaches of beauty and the human form. After all the risk and daring, the result is extraordinary: 300 dancers, 400 locations, more than 150 stunning photographs. And no clothes, no arrests, no regrets.
Each image highlights the amazing abilities of these artists—and presents a core message to the reader: Say yes rather than no, and embrace the risks and opportunities that life presents.
256 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2016
About the author
Jordan Matter
8 books51 followersAmerican photographer who won widespread acclaim for his New York Times bestselling book, Dancers Among Us: A Celebration of Joy in the Everyday. He followed up the book's success with another dancing photography book, Dancers After Dark.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 15, 2017
Remarkable photography project from Jordan Matter, who spent two years convincing professional dancers to strip naked and pose in front of city landmarks around the world; it sounds a little prurient, perhaps, but the results are absolutely breathtaking.
The human body emerges in these pictures as a kind of movable sculpture, conveying very little of the sexuality you'd normally associate with nude photography, but calling to mind instead Classical art, anatomy textbooks, and the expression of a complete control over the muscles and gestures of a body in prime fitness. I mean…check this out:
Now that's impressive. A surprising amount of the dancers' personality comes across in their poses, especially considering the amount of bravery it took to capture many of these shots – some of the subjects talk, in a behind-the-scenes section at the end of the book, about the terror and the ‘ecstasy’ of stepping out of their clothes on the middle of Broadway or wherever. I would have liked more of those interviews and stories – Matter says that he had only ten or fifteen seconds to shoot in many cases, not least because of the risk of arrest.
He notes at the beginning that none of the photographs have been ‘digitally altered or composited’, which is pretty impressive – it's hard to believe that the colours at least have not been tweaked in post-production, despite his assurance that ‘Photoshop is unnecessary when dancers are this fearless’. I am frankly open-mouthed in my appreciation of how beautifully he arranged the framing and lighting in these shots, given how little time he had to work with.
It's a strange way to spend two years of your life, but he and his subjects have produced a really wonderful, playful homage to the human body and its relation to our environment. It's not an expensive book, but you should probably factor in the costs of renewing your gym membership, which, after flicking through a couple of pages, will be top of your to-do list.
The human body emerges in these pictures as a kind of movable sculpture, conveying very little of the sexuality you'd normally associate with nude photography, but calling to mind instead Classical art, anatomy textbooks, and the expression of a complete control over the muscles and gestures of a body in prime fitness. I mean…check this out:
Now that's impressive. A surprising amount of the dancers' personality comes across in their poses, especially considering the amount of bravery it took to capture many of these shots – some of the subjects talk, in a behind-the-scenes section at the end of the book, about the terror and the ‘ecstasy’ of stepping out of their clothes on the middle of Broadway or wherever. I would have liked more of those interviews and stories – Matter says that he had only ten or fifteen seconds to shoot in many cases, not least because of the risk of arrest.
He notes at the beginning that none of the photographs have been ‘digitally altered or composited’, which is pretty impressive – it's hard to believe that the colours at least have not been tweaked in post-production, despite his assurance that ‘Photoshop is unnecessary when dancers are this fearless’. I am frankly open-mouthed in my appreciation of how beautifully he arranged the framing and lighting in these shots, given how little time he had to work with.
It's a strange way to spend two years of your life, but he and his subjects have produced a really wonderful, playful homage to the human body and its relation to our environment. It's not an expensive book, but you should probably factor in the costs of renewing your gym membership, which, after flicking through a couple of pages, will be top of your to-do list.
May 24, 2016
What an extraordinary collection of photographs, and what a daring and exciting project! Dancers photographed naked in various sites around the world, many of them major tourist spots. The photos are taken at night or in the early morning, often with the general public in situ – sometimes unaware that a naked dancer crouches or hangs overhead.
The poses range from a balletic stance, balanced atop an upright bottle (honestly!), to the middle of a freezing cold river, complete with snow covered rocks, to dancers balanced on a bridge railing. The venues include sites in Paris, Berlin, London, Stockholm, New York and Chicago. One picture even features British actor Alan Cumming. It’s wild. It’s nuts. But it’s completely stunning.
There’s a great section giving some background to the taking of the photos too.
Check out the video link below for more insight:
link: Dancers After Dark
My thanks to Workman Publishing Company and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The poses range from a balletic stance, balanced atop an upright bottle (honestly!), to the middle of a freezing cold river, complete with snow covered rocks, to dancers balanced on a bridge railing. The venues include sites in Paris, Berlin, London, Stockholm, New York and Chicago. One picture even features British actor Alan Cumming. It’s wild. It’s nuts. But it’s completely stunning.
There’s a great section giving some background to the taking of the photos too.
Check out the video link below for more insight:
link: Dancers After Dark
My thanks to Workman Publishing Company and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2017
"Dancing is creating a sculpture that is visible only for a moment"
---Erol Ozan---
For two years Jordan Matter traveled the world to photograph dancers in an urban environment. Often illicit and taken during cold nights or early mornings when the streets were mostly empty, dancers shed their clothes to be immortalized by Matter.
The body is such an amazing thing. Especially when trained, it is capable of doing incredible feats. These dancers went all the way to show what is possible. The nudity enhanced the biological mechanics at work. Toned and defined muscles, nothing sexual, all sensual and passionate expression.
What enhanced the visual imagery, is how buildings and monuments played a part in the composition. Arcs, lines and shapes working together with the fluid curves of the dancers, it all melted together to become one piece of art.
I was in awe of how Matter pulled it all off. And I'm not only thinking of the actual photography, which in itself is superb. Thinking of the public places, and how the nudity could bring unwanted attention, the timing needed to be impeccable.
I also wondered about the lighting, as night photography can be a pain, how he used available light and what he added to it. The setup needed to be mobile, nothing too fancy or too big and able to be dismantled in a second. He needed a lot of planning, but as can be concluded from the anecdotes, there was a lot of improvisation as wel as spontaneity. Kudos!
In the last chapter of the book, behind-the-scenes images were shown together with commentary of how this book and some of the images came together.
And on a final note, the photographer himself had to show his euhm, muscles too.
4.5*
Review copy supplied by publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a rating and/or review.
---Erol Ozan---
For two years Jordan Matter traveled the world to photograph dancers in an urban environment. Often illicit and taken during cold nights or early mornings when the streets were mostly empty, dancers shed their clothes to be immortalized by Matter.
The body is such an amazing thing. Especially when trained, it is capable of doing incredible feats. These dancers went all the way to show what is possible. The nudity enhanced the biological mechanics at work. Toned and defined muscles, nothing sexual, all sensual and passionate expression.
What enhanced the visual imagery, is how buildings and monuments played a part in the composition. Arcs, lines and shapes working together with the fluid curves of the dancers, it all melted together to become one piece of art.
I was in awe of how Matter pulled it all off. And I'm not only thinking of the actual photography, which in itself is superb. Thinking of the public places, and how the nudity could bring unwanted attention, the timing needed to be impeccable.
I also wondered about the lighting, as night photography can be a pain, how he used available light and what he added to it. The setup needed to be mobile, nothing too fancy or too big and able to be dismantled in a second. He needed a lot of planning, but as can be concluded from the anecdotes, there was a lot of improvisation as wel as spontaneity. Kudos!
In the last chapter of the book, behind-the-scenes images were shown together with commentary of how this book and some of the images came together.
And on a final note, the photographer himself had to show his euhm, muscles too.
4.5*
Review copy supplied by publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a rating and/or review.
May 6, 2016
EXUBERANCE BEAUTY....
EXTRAORDINARY....
ECSTASY....
THIS BOOK is soooo breathtaking gorgeous ... I can't say this enough - or in enough languages...
This is a ***MUST SEE*** book!!!! MUST MUST MUST experience this book!!!!!!
Jordan Matter spent two years of his life ( I'm amazed it didn't take longer), "exhausted weekly" .... photographing hundreds of amazing performers in many cities and countries around the world.
It was the most incredible experience of his life, and he was sad to see it come to an end. What he created is so exceptional, a masterful, artistic, treat, or for the entire world to experience. The author has memories and stories behind every single photograph in this book. I'd sure love to hear some.
For starters.....If you are blessed to be connected with Netgalley... request this book 'now'...( you can buy a physical copy later).
Everyone else ...save your pennies ... It's a book you'll want to own - be proud to show you friends.
THIS REALLY is the perfect gift book for the Kindle readers who have said...
"No, I don't buy physical books any longer". Sometimes there are exceptions!
A few quotes:
"In the end we will only regret the chances we did not take"....Lewis Carroll
"Dance is the hidden language of the soul".....Martha Graham
"To Be vulnerable is to put the true you on show for the world: that's the most terrifying and rewarding thing a person can do"....Sam Basket
"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself"....George Bernard Shaw
"Do something today that your future self will thank you for".... Anonymous
Thank You "Working Publishing Company, Netgalley, and Jordan Matter...( I'm so inspired by you ---I'm speechless). Sooooo Beautiful what you created: Thank you!!!!
EXTRAORDINARY....
ECSTASY....
THIS BOOK is soooo breathtaking gorgeous ... I can't say this enough - or in enough languages...
This is a ***MUST SEE*** book!!!! MUST MUST MUST experience this book!!!!!!
Jordan Matter spent two years of his life ( I'm amazed it didn't take longer), "exhausted weekly" .... photographing hundreds of amazing performers in many cities and countries around the world.
It was the most incredible experience of his life, and he was sad to see it come to an end. What he created is so exceptional, a masterful, artistic, treat, or for the entire world to experience. The author has memories and stories behind every single photograph in this book. I'd sure love to hear some.
For starters.....If you are blessed to be connected with Netgalley... request this book 'now'...( you can buy a physical copy later).
Everyone else ...save your pennies ... It's a book you'll want to own - be proud to show you friends.
THIS REALLY is the perfect gift book for the Kindle readers who have said...
"No, I don't buy physical books any longer". Sometimes there are exceptions!
A few quotes:
"In the end we will only regret the chances we did not take"....Lewis Carroll
"Dance is the hidden language of the soul".....Martha Graham
"To Be vulnerable is to put the true you on show for the world: that's the most terrifying and rewarding thing a person can do"....Sam Basket
"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself"....George Bernard Shaw
"Do something today that your future self will thank you for".... Anonymous
Thank You "Working Publishing Company, Netgalley, and Jordan Matter...( I'm so inspired by you ---I'm speechless). Sooooo Beautiful what you created: Thank you!!!!
October 18, 2016
NOW AVAILABLE!
Two years of hard work, travel, photographing dancers in different locations, each with its own essence, some with their own stories . These pictures are stunningly beautiful, like some greek gods and goddesses came to life still holding the artist’s pose. Hours and hours were spent on some of these shoots, exposed to the elements for the least amount of time possible, but still. Posting nude dancers at night, mostly in city environments, not easily done when cars are whizzing by or a courtyard is filled with people. Planning this imagery... but it's all worth it, it's all stunning.
Leaving out the perfection of these bodies, the acrobatics of some of the poses, the photography is amazing, gorgeous. You’ll want to own this book.
My favorite photos were
Pg 19
11:24pm, Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami, FL
Pg 30 – 31
“Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous” – Bill Moyers
Pg 53
4:03am, Montmartre, Paris, France – on toe, girl in contortionist pose, leaning against shop windows
Pg 100
2:39am, Museum of Art, Los Angeles, CA
Pg 102 - 103
12:02am, East London, United Kingdom – a bit reminiscent of Gene Kelly’s Dancing in the Rain / Lamppost scene
Pg 161
1:42am, New York, NY
Pg 189 – 190
12:18am, Montmartre, Paris
Pg 198 – 199
1:20am, Graffiti Park, Austin, TX
Pg. 200-201
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about dancing in the rain.” – Vivian Greene
2:50am, Main Street, Nyack, NY
The “Behind the Scenes” stories are all worth reading, I especially enjoyed the one relating to the photograph on page 189. Whatever your favorite story is, don’t bypass this section at the end of the book.
Publication Date: 18 October 2016
Many thanks to Workman Publishing Company, NetGalley, and to Jordan Matter
Two years of hard work, travel, photographing dancers in different locations, each with its own essence, some with their own stories . These pictures are stunningly beautiful, like some greek gods and goddesses came to life still holding the artist’s pose. Hours and hours were spent on some of these shoots, exposed to the elements for the least amount of time possible, but still. Posting nude dancers at night, mostly in city environments, not easily done when cars are whizzing by or a courtyard is filled with people. Planning this imagery... but it's all worth it, it's all stunning.
Leaving out the perfection of these bodies, the acrobatics of some of the poses, the photography is amazing, gorgeous. You’ll want to own this book.
My favorite photos were
Pg 19
11:24pm, Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami, FL
Pg 30 – 31
“Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous” – Bill Moyers
Pg 53
4:03am, Montmartre, Paris, France – on toe, girl in contortionist pose, leaning against shop windows
Pg 100
2:39am, Museum of Art, Los Angeles, CA
Pg 102 - 103
12:02am, East London, United Kingdom – a bit reminiscent of Gene Kelly’s Dancing in the Rain / Lamppost scene
Pg 161
1:42am, New York, NY
Pg 189 – 190
12:18am, Montmartre, Paris
Pg 198 – 199
1:20am, Graffiti Park, Austin, TX
Pg. 200-201
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about dancing in the rain.” – Vivian Greene
2:50am, Main Street, Nyack, NY
The “Behind the Scenes” stories are all worth reading, I especially enjoyed the one relating to the photograph on page 189. Whatever your favorite story is, don’t bypass this section at the end of the book.
Publication Date: 18 October 2016
Many thanks to Workman Publishing Company, NetGalley, and to Jordan Matter
May 24, 2016
Oh! The cruel stigma of nudity! How many people would not flee from this album by the mere fact of showing people photographed naked without knowing they are missing the proof of the beauty that the human being can be, losing the fact that the art can be created with so little and so much at the time, and forgetting that magic can born when prejudices are omitted.
This album is full of night shots in different parts of the world, all convey a certain feeling depending on the location and composition of the shot, is not only the photographer with his camera, all elements look and everything revolves around the nature of the body and (mostly) the industrial landscape.
This album is full of night shots in different parts of the world, all convey a certain feeling depending on the location and composition of the shot, is not only the photographer with his camera, all elements look and everything revolves around the nature of the body and (mostly) the industrial landscape.
May 12, 2016
I’m not sure what I was expecting but Dancers After Dark completely astonished me. For two years, photographer Jordan Matter posed dancers naked in various spots around the world. The movement in these (still) photos is amazing; each photo is a work of art, full of excitement. The dancers are captured in impossible poses.
I have to admit that, as a New Yorker, I was especially thrilled to see the dancers posing in such iconic (yet familiar) places as subway stations and Rockefeller Center. I’ll never look at these places the same way! They have been enhanced by the dancers, made fresh and stunning.
I don’t know anything about the art of photography, but these images are breathtaking.
I can’t wait to get the paper version of this book. There is an interesting section at the end of the book that gives the backstory of this book.
These pictures are unbelievably beautiful and this is a book you’re going to want to own and share with others.
I want to thank Workman Publishing Company, NetGalley, and Jordan matter for giving me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit that, as a New Yorker, I was especially thrilled to see the dancers posing in such iconic (yet familiar) places as subway stations and Rockefeller Center. I’ll never look at these places the same way! They have been enhanced by the dancers, made fresh and stunning.
I don’t know anything about the art of photography, but these images are breathtaking.
I can’t wait to get the paper version of this book. There is an interesting section at the end of the book that gives the backstory of this book.
These pictures are unbelievably beautiful and this is a book you’re going to want to own and share with others.
I want to thank Workman Publishing Company, NetGalley, and Jordan matter for giving me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2021
This is the most beautiful, evocative book of photography that celebrates and honors the beauty and wonder of the nude bodies of professionally trained dancers (men and women) that I've had the privilege to behold.
Many of the photos were taken in a variety of public venues across North America and Europe by night at various times of the year. And each one is breathtaking! The fluidity and poetry of motion that each dancer conveys is awe-inspiring and incredible. One favorite photo of mine in the book is to be found on p. 169 of the book. It contains 3 women dancers and 1 male dancer (all of them of varying ethnic backgrounds), each poised closely together. The photo was taken in the Theater District (near the entrance to the Helen Hayes Theater) in New York City at 3:02 AM.
DANCERS AFTER DARK is a book that I will always cherish, for it speaks to my deepest emotional and artistic sensibilities.
Many of the photos were taken in a variety of public venues across North America and Europe by night at various times of the year. And each one is breathtaking! The fluidity and poetry of motion that each dancer conveys is awe-inspiring and incredible. One favorite photo of mine in the book is to be found on p. 169 of the book. It contains 3 women dancers and 1 male dancer (all of them of varying ethnic backgrounds), each poised closely together. The photo was taken in the Theater District (near the entrance to the Helen Hayes Theater) in New York City at 3:02 AM.
DANCERS AFTER DARK is a book that I will always cherish, for it speaks to my deepest emotional and artistic sensibilities.
February 26, 2019
An exquisite collection of gorgeous visual art made of professional dancers (set in color and in black and white) after dark before an assortment of world-class landmarks and art districts in North America (such as Chicago, Hollywood, Miami, Los Angeles, Montreal, Nashville, New York City, St. Louis, San Francisco, Austin, TX, and Washington, D.C.) and in Europe (Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Paris and Stockholm), as well as before various scenic vistas, including in Venice Beach, CA, Stow-on-the-Wold in England, icy streams in Colorado Springs and Steamboat Springs in Colorado, the Jersey Shore Boardwalk, before banyan trees in Sarasota, FL, and in a pasture in Costwolds, U.K.
These pieces of sterling visual art are separated into four categories, Ferocity, Stability, Vulnerability and Ecstasy, and accompanied by a wide range of poignant quotes, the first being from Lewis Carroll: "In the end, we will only regret the chances we didn't take."
I most appreciated the pieces of the arabesque heiresses to Terpsichore set in hypnotic, gymnastic relief to the world around. I must add that I was also very grateful for the absence of Apollonian affrontals.
Thank you to NetGalley and Workman Publishing for the preview copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Note: The paper version is likely far superior to the electronic version, on which some pieces are split into multiple parts over 2 or 3 pages.
These pieces of sterling visual art are separated into four categories, Ferocity, Stability, Vulnerability and Ecstasy, and accompanied by a wide range of poignant quotes, the first being from Lewis Carroll: "In the end, we will only regret the chances we didn't take."
I most appreciated the pieces of the arabesque heiresses to Terpsichore set in hypnotic, gymnastic relief to the world around. I must add that I was also very grateful for the absence of Apollonian affrontals.
Thank you to NetGalley and Workman Publishing for the preview copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Note: The paper version is likely far superior to the electronic version, on which some pieces are split into multiple parts over 2 or 3 pages.
May 9, 2016
I absolutely adored this book - Matter surely knows how to shoot alluring photos. Dancers After Dark is a marvelous invention and bringing something fresh and new to nude photography. The cover alone is perfect and such a good innuendo of what the book contains. I loved that Matter had chosen to do both color and black-and-white photos. The structure works well and the photos are big enough to display fully the beauty of the situations. The quality of the photos was good and the imprint looked very good too. It was a good choice to cut some of the photos to two pages and it was a magical choice, really. I'm glad this is actually a photo book in which we only have photos. The only texts are the locations and it's awesome. The photos speak for themselves! Matter explains some of his choices at the back and that was a great add-on. My only concern is that the aphorisms were kind of clichéd and most of them didn't seem to have all that much to do with the photos. They felt superimposed in a sense.
The photos then? They are just beautiful. The postures are awesome and the stillness is something you can actually touch. This makes the models like statues! Amazing. I liked that the dancers were all very different looking and their postures differed a lot too. They all look like they belong where they are and that makes the photos so easy for the eye. The smoothness and the lighting basically make the experience perfect, as well as the awfully clever shooting angles. I should check out more of Matter's photos, he surely has talent and mostly, an eye for beauty.
The photos then? They are just beautiful. The postures are awesome and the stillness is something you can actually touch. This makes the models like statues! Amazing. I liked that the dancers were all very different looking and their postures differed a lot too. They all look like they belong where they are and that makes the photos so easy for the eye. The smoothness and the lighting basically make the experience perfect, as well as the awfully clever shooting angles. I should check out more of Matter's photos, he surely has talent and mostly, an eye for beauty.
May 4, 2016
I received a digital edition of this book from netgalley, for honest review.
This book is filled with beautiful photographs taken of dancers in the nude in public and at night. Yes, they are all nude. However, there are no genitals on display, for those curious. To my eyes, they are not pornagraphic.
The photographs not only show off the human form and dancing, but also let the locations shine. All without seeming busy. This is a photography book, I would be proud to have out in my home. I also really enjoyed the end of the book which has behind the scenes stories and snapshots of many of the photographs. I liked knowing how some of these were created.
I recommend to fans of photography or dancing.
This book is filled with beautiful photographs taken of dancers in the nude in public and at night. Yes, they are all nude. However, there are no genitals on display, for those curious. To my eyes, they are not pornagraphic.
The photographs not only show off the human form and dancing, but also let the locations shine. All without seeming busy. This is a photography book, I would be proud to have out in my home. I also really enjoyed the end of the book which has behind the scenes stories and snapshots of many of the photographs. I liked knowing how some of these were created.
I recommend to fans of photography or dancing.
April 20, 2018
They say the human body is a work of art, well this book proves it. Beautifully, tasteful, artistic photos of dancers, with the world as their backdrop. The poses are so awesome that some appear to be photoshopped cause you just can't even imagine a shot like that being caught so beautifully! No photoshop though, little stories at the end talk about some of the shots & just how hard everyone worked to create & capture them. I also love the quotes throughout the book & how they fit the theme of the pictures. Definitely a book to check out.
I was provided with an ARC from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided with an ARC from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2016
Jordan Matter has captured the "spirit" of dance as it lays bare the soul. The "Dancers After Dark" photographs of naked dancers are sensual, but not sexual. They are evocative, but not provocative. Their nudity is a symbol of the freeing of the soul, a necessity for a dancer. This book is a must for anyone who feels the music and the love of expression, even if or when no one else is listening.
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
April 21, 2016
I love photography books. I love even more that this one took a risk, and that the pictures were stamped first by their time of night taken. The only complaint I have is that I read this in ebook form as an ARC and it didn't let me see two pages at once so the visual experience just doesn't compare to having a photography book hard in your hands.
July 20, 2018
Gorgeous pictures again by Jordan Matter using hardly any filters, and no photoshop!
Wonderful dancers who dared to go naked for this gorgeous book!
Wonderful dancers who dared to go naked for this gorgeous book!
April 30, 2016
Received from NetGalley for my honest review
Despite not really being into art, and knowing nothing about Dance, I really wanted this book and was so glad when I received it that I sat down and went through all of it in one sitting. I LOVED this photography book a ton, it was very beautifully done.
I don't know anything about dance, so I can't tell you anything about the dance poses. I wanted this photography book because I love artistic nudes, and this book didn't disappoint. I am an amateur photographer, so I do know some about composition and every photo had it in spades. Of course I love the photo for the nudes, they were tasteful and wonderfully done and the composition of the photos were just amazing. There was this one shot where lights on a street were lined up perfectly with the moon. Just beautiful.
I loved at the end that the photographer took the time to explain some shots. The whole book was done in the dark and without permissions. It was created over a 2 year time period and all around the world. It was great to hear the stories of how some of the shots came to be or what happened with them. The book starts out with a photo of Alan Cumming, so I was glad to learn how and why that came to be.
It was neat too because most of the photos he talked about were ones that I had taken a little while to linger on. There was just some thing about those ones that made me stop and really study it and some of them I got the behind the scenes on, it was neat. It was funny that one of them really made me stop and look and I didn't know why. It wasn't one of my favorites, it was good but didn't really stand out compared to others, but for some reason I lingered on it and took my time looking it over. In the blurb at the end the photographer explains that the dancer had just gotten engaged before that shot. So neat!
Great photo book. Beautiful in every way. I really loved it!
January 31, 2023
Where was I that night in Chinatown??
This book is an interesting book end for Matter's first book, Dancers Among Us. My first impression was sort of blasé. My first response flipping through briefly was: page after page of young, 20-30 something bodies and how much they look like the beauty depicted in Ancient Roman and Greek nudes.
Going slower I noticed more. How the dancers' energy are revealed more often - or at least, are easier to see. How the shapes they're making with their bodies are more apparent. The presentation seems more graphic than the narratives of the dancers clothed. This then is a leap of pure joy, an arabesque to sustain a love of a lifetime - there may be storytelling - how can there not be: nudes after midnight in city streets - however the stories just seem less strong than the pure and bold statements.
How often the male and female are similar - how the muscle, the form in movement, have so much in common. And in some photos how female and soft a male body or a the unexpected strength in a woman's bent knee. How beautiful the nipple. And what a shame it's kept hidden - more like a fetish in our culture, maybe to protect it, as it looks so fragile and vulnerable - but is there any real, good reason? Next, how graceful the hands, and the tilt of a head. They seem easier to see without costumes.
Here's a strange thought. I imagined the feel of what their bodies might have been feeling more. The gravel under their knees and feet - the muscle of the dancing they'd lean against - the slight moisture or slipperiness of another's body. The coldness of the air and the plume of icy, blistering breath late at night.
This book is an interesting book end for Matter's first book, Dancers Among Us. My first impression was sort of blasé. My first response flipping through briefly was: page after page of young, 20-30 something bodies and how much they look like the beauty depicted in Ancient Roman and Greek nudes.
Going slower I noticed more. How the dancers' energy are revealed more often - or at least, are easier to see. How the shapes they're making with their bodies are more apparent. The presentation seems more graphic than the narratives of the dancers clothed. This then is a leap of pure joy, an arabesque to sustain a love of a lifetime - there may be storytelling - how can there not be: nudes after midnight in city streets - however the stories just seem less strong than the pure and bold statements.
How often the male and female are similar - how the muscle, the form in movement, have so much in common. And in some photos how female and soft a male body or a the unexpected strength in a woman's bent knee. How beautiful the nipple. And what a shame it's kept hidden - more like a fetish in our culture, maybe to protect it, as it looks so fragile and vulnerable - but is there any real, good reason? Next, how graceful the hands, and the tilt of a head. They seem easier to see without costumes.
Here's a strange thought. I imagined the feel of what their bodies might have been feeling more. The gravel under their knees and feet - the muscle of the dancing they'd lean against - the slight moisture or slipperiness of another's body. The coldness of the air and the plume of icy, blistering breath late at night.
October 9, 2018
I typed in the author's name to my local library catalogue with the intent of reading the book that helped me discover him (not this one). I was delighted to see that his career had seemingly flourished and eagerly placed this book on my list. I wasn't at all sure what to expect, and wasn't expecting what I got. Nonetheless, I read the book cover to cover. When I got to the section where the dancers are listed, I shrieked, "Michaela DePrince is in this?!" and flipped back--"On the -cover-?!" And I read every word of what Matter wrote. His admiration for her and excitement for her success clearly shines through, evidenced also by the fact that his written statement for her is by far the longest in the book. It just gave me a sense of wonder and glowing happiness. I've read her autobiography and watched "First Position," the ballet documentary that first introduced me to herself as an artist. I've admired her since that documentary and am thrilled when I do see her in something.
Matter has really creative ideas and executes them really well, I think. I don't know anything about photography so I will simply note, "His photos are very crisp, clear, and pretty," and leave it at that, with "He obviously cares a lot, collaborates well with others, and is very organized." When I first read him, I told myself if anyone ever asked who my favorite photographer was, I'd say him. No one has asked me that question, so. I knocked a few stars off this because I probably expected to feel the same way I did when I first looked through one of his books. I placed another one on hold and am very curious what it will look like, when I do get it.
Matter has really creative ideas and executes them really well, I think. I don't know anything about photography so I will simply note, "His photos are very crisp, clear, and pretty," and leave it at that, with "He obviously cares a lot, collaborates well with others, and is very organized." When I first read him, I told myself if anyone ever asked who my favorite photographer was, I'd say him. No one has asked me that question, so. I knocked a few stars off this because I probably expected to feel the same way I did when I first looked through one of his books. I placed another one on hold and am very curious what it will look like, when I do get it.
March 11, 2017
This book is absolutely stunning! The pictures are amazing and really highlight the strength in the dancer's bodies. My favourite picture would have to be the ballerina en pointe on top of a wine bottle! It was just amazing to think that she could balance on such a small object! This book was great and I'll most definitely be checking out other photography books from him!
February 4, 2017
If you like dance, photography, or art in general, check out this book. The images are absolutely stunning. It may be the best photography exhibit I've ever seen, enjoyed from the comfort of my living room. I'm not sure I understood the allure of art books before, but I do now!
February 6, 2018
This was my first Jordan Matter photography book and I have to say I was brought to this book because I love dancers and New York. This book was something else AMAZING! I loved the the photographer I’m obsessed!
August 31, 2023
Handed my way by someone who knew I liked Lois Greenfield's work. This really reads as more, "We got naked in public," As the primary element rather than figure and dance studies, but it definitely has some moments where both photography and dancers shine.
March 4, 2022
Gorgeous humans. Gorgeous photos. Very interesting to read the stories behind some of the photographs.
March 28, 2022
Absolutely, sublimely beautiful. At times, thematically witty.
March 20, 2017
I'm super interested in dance photography, because I love dance and I'm fascinated with the process of translating something so dependent on motion into a still photograph. I've seen some of Jordan Matter's photographs from Dancers Among Us: A Celebration of Joy in the Everyday and I love his style. When Dancers After Dark came out and I learned it featured dancers in the nude, I had to see how he pulled this off. And I promise, the results are stunning.
The dancers' bodies, the grace, the power, the settings - it all combines into a breathtaking book. There's a lot of joy in these photos, even when it's apparent that the dancer must have been absolutely freezing to death. The skill and joy and passion on every page makes this book a joy to go through. And don't miss the author's anecdotes about close calls with security, challenges with the right locations, and his still-standing zero arrests record. There are some truly great stories in that section.
The dancers' bodies, the grace, the power, the settings - it all combines into a breathtaking book. There's a lot of joy in these photos, even when it's apparent that the dancer must have been absolutely freezing to death. The skill and joy and passion on every page makes this book a joy to go through. And don't miss the author's anecdotes about close calls with security, challenges with the right locations, and his still-standing zero arrests record. There are some truly great stories in that section.
October 15, 2016
I love this book so much. This is a photography book where it looks like EVERYBODY had fun. Beautiful, talented people doing bizarre and graceful things out in the streets. Oh, and naked, because why not.
Jordan Matter is on a very short list of always-buy, for me.
Jordan Matter is on a very short list of always-buy, for me.
March 17, 2017
Hermosa colección de fotos. Bailarines desnudos en diferentes situaciones urbanas. Siempre en la noche. Hay un poco de todo, desde parques y callejones desconocidos, hasta puntos de referencia de la talla del Louvre. Cada foto tiene mucho que admirar: la imaginación del fotógrafo, el arte de los bailarines, la composición, la luz, simplemente los lugares donde se tomaron las fotos. No hay dos iguales y cada una de ellas es una obra de arte por si misma. Mis favoritas fueron aquellas que mostraban un alto contraste entre el sujeto y el lugar, entre lo simple y sucio de los callejones y la fuerza y gracia de una bailarina.
March 6, 2017
Gorgeous book on an amazing subject.
July 10, 2016
The circumstances depicted in these photographs are not digitally altered or composited, and no wires or other devices have been used in the making of these images. Photoshop is unnecessary when dancers are this fearless.
I glanced at this book a few times while browsing on Netgalley. The cover is gorgeous, but I didn't think it would really be for me. Finally, I looked at the description one more time:
Dancers After Dark is an amazing celebration of the human body and the human spirit, as dancers, photographed nude and at night, strike poses of fearless beauty.
Seems simple enough. I do love a good coffee table/art book. Let's see what this is all about.
The photographs in this book are, to severely understate it, breathtaking.
These pictures showcase the talents of these dancers in a way that seeing them perform live never could. Their daring, their love for dancing. All captured in a single frame. Look at that photograph. The strength and musculature required to hold that pose long enough for the photographer to catch it.
I couldn't do it. And even if I had the strength to do it, would I be as brave as these dancers? These photographs are not taken in a stuffy dance studio. These people are on the streets of major cities. They are in Times Square, they are in Washington, D.C. They're in airports and subway stations. In so many of the photographs, you can see people walking by and stopping to stare in wonder at the amazing poses these dancers are pulling off. And, one assumes, to stare at the naked people.
Some photos are of one dancer, some are of pairs. Some are compositions with multiple dancers in intricate poses you have to stare at for several minutes to fully appreciate them.
Oh, and did I mention there is a fantastic cameo by Alan Cumming?
This is a truly glorious book, featuring real people in fantastical poses in beautiful locations. There is no bad here.
Bonus: At the end of the book, the photographer includes outtakes from the shoots, including photos of (dressed) rehearsals, stories of police officers purposefully looking the other way while they quickly got the shot. Stories of how poses that look absolutely impossible were managed, including the amazing woman standing en pointe on a wine bottle.
The book won't be published until October of this year, but you can pre-order it here
I get no credit for that link, I just really think you should buy it. Everyone needs beauty in their life.
Received via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
January 13, 2017
"Dancers After Dark" is an amazing celebration of the human body and the human spirit, as dancers, photographed nude and at night, strike poses of fearless beauty. Without a permit or a plan, Jordan Matter led hundreds of the most exciting dancers in the world out of their comfort zones not to mention their clothes to explore the most compelling reaches of beauty and the human form. After all the risk and daring, the result is extraordinary: 300 dancers, 400 locations, more than 150 stunning photographs. And no clothes, no arrests, no regrets. Each image highlights the amazing abilities of these artists and presents a core message to the reader: Say yes rather than no, and embrace the risks and opportunities that life presents. "
It started with an offhand comment from a contortionist. She'd be available for a photoshoot after her show. It might be raining. Maybe they should try nudes.
Jordan Matter had been photographing dancers and circus performers for years but now that work went in a new direction. This is a book of photos of dancers naked in public at night. There were no permits. No closed sets.
The photographs in the book are beautiful. Several of them I stared at just to try to figure out how they got into those positions. I love one of a dancer balancing on pointe on top of a wine bottle. Other times I could only imagine how incredibly cold they must have been. Here's a behind the scenes video of one of the shots that made me freeze just looking at it.
The cover dancer is Michaela Prince, whose autobiography I reviewed. Most of the rest are anonymous except for Alan Cumming. At the end of the book there are some of the stories behind the pictures. It wasn't enough. I wish there had been a story for every picture. I wanted to know if the participants were ballet dancers or modern dancers. Did they perform on Broadway or in circuses? Luckily there is video of the process that gives more background on his website.
This review was originally posted on Based On A True Story
It started with an offhand comment from a contortionist. She'd be available for a photoshoot after her show. It might be raining. Maybe they should try nudes.
Jordan Matter had been photographing dancers and circus performers for years but now that work went in a new direction. This is a book of photos of dancers naked in public at night. There were no permits. No closed sets.
The photographs in the book are beautiful. Several of them I stared at just to try to figure out how they got into those positions. I love one of a dancer balancing on pointe on top of a wine bottle. Other times I could only imagine how incredibly cold they must have been. Here's a behind the scenes video of one of the shots that made me freeze just looking at it.
The cover dancer is Michaela Prince, whose autobiography I reviewed. Most of the rest are anonymous except for Alan Cumming. At the end of the book there are some of the stories behind the pictures. It wasn't enough. I wish there had been a story for every picture. I wanted to know if the participants were ballet dancers or modern dancers. Did they perform on Broadway or in circuses? Luckily there is video of the process that gives more background on his website.
This review was originally posted on Based On A True Story
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