Portfolio: Guiding the Curtain at the New York City Ballet

&ldquoThis is the secret,&rdquo says photographer Henry Leutwyler. &ldquoTo completely mix in, to develop into invisible.&rdquo Leutwyler spent final winter months as the most observant ghost in New York City Ballet&rsquos rehearsal studios, capturing the uncommonly raw backstage photographs that now compose Ballet, which is both equally a guide (out in December from Steidl) and an demonstrate (on watch at Foley Gallery November 28 by January six ). The pictures right here exemplify the peek- at the rear of -the-curtain feel of Leutwyler&rsquos shots, like a ballerina&rsquos feet immediately after a day of matinée and night performances (&ldquowhen the toes are demolished&rdquo). &ldquoIf I experienced to title the picture, I would call it Fact and Dreams,&rdquo says Leutwyler. &ldquoThe foot en pointe is what each and every tiny woman desires of. The other is the tough, difficult work, and the reality.&rdquo

*This report initially a ppeared in the December 3, 2012 challenge of New York Magazine.