Russian photographer and ballerina Darian Volkova takes an innovative approach to exploring St. Petersburg’s architecture with her new ballet photography series Ballet House Tales. While she typically shoots backstage life at the ballet, these stunning images prove that her photography is not limited to straight reportage.
By placing ballerinas in these these decadent houses, she fills the space with a new spirit. Each dancer melds into her surroundings, molding herself to the surfaces. Serpentine poses snake around spiral staircases and arms stretch to mirror the circular windows, while Volkova captures it all by framing her characters within the architectural elements.
The dancers’ bodies seem at home within these walls, almost acting as living sculpture. With names like Mademoiselle Maison and The Enigma House, each house has a history that shines through in the expressive movements of the dancers.
Darian Volkova: Website | Facebook | Instagram
All images via Darian Volkova.