Press
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Communication Arts Exhibit
Publications, Public Service
Wonderland,
a compilation of images featuring The Washington Ballet’s landmark
productions recreated in mystical places in Washington, DC, is a
tribute to the success of community effort. Designed by Design Army and
photographed by Cade Martin, Wonderland was the answer to a
$1 million reduction in city funding; The Washington Ballet needed to
find a way to continue its prominence as a world-class institution, but
also make ballet accessible with educational and community programs.
With stunning ballet images shot against unexpected DC backdrops, Wonderland is striking, sophisticated, daring and elegant. The theme (an Alice in Wonderland
storyline juxtaposed with notable ballet performances) and design are
the culmination of eighteen months of hard work—brainstorming concepts,
scouting locations, stopping traffic, assembling props, powering fog
machines and improvising dancer poses.
The book garners appreciation for the craft and talent of the
dancers and celebrates the tenth anniversary of artistic director
Septime Webre, whose leadership has enabled the institution to flourish
into a nationally recognized ballet. Proceeds from the book will fund
main stage productions, community engagement initiatives and education
programs, such as DanceDC, an innovative program for first- and
second-graders that integrates ballet and creative movement into the
curriculum of the DC’s public schools. The money will also support
Excel!, an initiative that will provide 50 full scholarships this year
to talented young boys and girls who wish to continue ballet classes
after second grade.
Pum Lefebure, art director; Lucas Badger/Taylor Buckholz/Scott Vadas, designers; Pum Lefebure/Jake Lefebure, creative directors; Cade Martin, photographer.
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