Dance has always been a potent form of expression and a source of inspiration for photojournalist Omar Robles. Robles has dedicated his life to capturing the grace of dance in urban settings since relocating to New York City in 2013. He has produced an incredible body of work that celebrates the human form in motion.

The magic that can be discovered in the city’s bustle is attested to by Robles’ photos. In front of a backdrop of skyscrapers, bridges, and busy streets, his photographs show dancers from all over the globe, their bodies twisting and turning. These two things are put together in opposition, and the result is an exciting and energizing atmosphere that is truly compelling.

Shooting dancers in public places is one of Robles’ distinctive styles; he frequently selects settings that are in sharp juxtaposition to the grace of the dancers’ movements. One image shows a ballerina balancing in the center of a busy street, her tutu and pointe shoes standing out against the background of taxis and people walking by. In another, a group of hip-hop dancers spin and leap in front of a run-down structure, giving life to a place that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Of course, this method of photography is not without its difficulties. Shooting in public places necessitates navigating traffic, commotion, and erratic weather. Robles, however, views these challenges as chances. He claims that the chaos of the city is part of what makes it attractive. I want to document that disorder and demonstrate how it can be turned into something beautiful.

Robles’ commitment to his art has benefited him in a variety of ways. He has worked with some of the most prominent dance companies in the world, such as the American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet, and his photographs have appeared in important publications like National Geographic, The New York Times, and The Huffington Post. Additionally, galleries from Tokyo to Paris to Mexico City have displayed his art.

Robles’ ability to collaborate with the dancers directly, however, is what she values most. He views himself as more than just a photographer and works closely with the dancers to get the most beautiful and true representation of their motions.

Making a place where the dancers can feel at ease and fully express themselves is essential to him, he says. Instead of just copying their method, I want to capture their essence.

What distinguishes Robles’ dance photography from that of other dance photographers is her focus on authenticity and emotion. His photographs show more than just the dancers’ impeccable technique; they also show the dancers’ humanity and spirit.

In one image, a ballet dancer poses in an arabesque in front of a wall decorated in graffiti. She is looking directly into the camera with a determined and intensely focused countenance. In another, a group of dancers leap across a sidewalk while their bodies are suspended in midair and the Manhattan skyline serves as their background. These pictures show the emotion and dedication that go into dance in addition to its aesthetic beauty.

The variety of Robles’ work is also noteworthy. In order to demonstrate the diversity of dance styles and techniques, he has taken photographs of dancers from all over the world, from the streets of Havana to the beaches of Bali.

This focus on diversity is a reaction to the shifting demographics of the dance world as well as a reflection of Robles’ own values. Robles views his position as an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the arts as more and more dancers from non-traditional backgrounds enter the mainstream.

He says, “I want to demonstrate that dance is for everyone. It’s not just for a select group of wealthy individuals. Everyone should have the chance to show themselves through movement because everyone is beautiful.

Robles’ attitude toward social media is also consistent with his dedication to variety. On Instagram, where he frequently shares his art and interacts with his fans, he has over 300,000 followers. Robles, however, views social media as a chance to promote the dancers he works with and to emphasize the value of diversity and inclusion in the arts rather than as a platform for self-promotion.

The dancers who are frequently ignored or underrepresented in the mainstream, he adds, “want to use my platform to shine a light on them.” I want to demonstrate that every person, regardless of race, gender, or background, possesses beauty and power.

Beautiful photographs of dancers in metropolitan settings are just one aspect of Robles’ photography. It serves as a reflection that despite chaos and change, there is always something to celebrate and a testament to the tenacity and inventiveness of the human spirit. Robles is inspiring others to discover their own creativity and enthusiasm by capturing the beauty and force of dance in all of its diversity.

In the end, Robles’ motivation for his work comes from this inspiration and feeling of connection. I want to demonstrate to people that anything is achievable with passion and commitment, he adds. I want to serve as an example for others, encouraging them to follow their own passions and discover their unique voices.

Omar Robles has produced a body of work that is lovely and inspiring through his exquisite photography, his dedication to diversity and inclusion, and his love of dance and the city. He is a genuine artist who speaks out forcefully in the dance and photography communities for originality, variety, and humanity.