Last week I had the pleasure of photographing the Bubbarinas and Ready Set Dance Concerts for Newcastle Dance Academy and they offered a gentle reminder that growth often happens in the quietest ways.
These concerts weren’t about big moments or bold statements — they were about confidence slowly forming. You could see it in the way dancers found their spot on stage, remembered a sequence, or held a pose just a little longer than before. For many, simply standing under the lights, music playing, and continuing on with their dance was a meaningful achievement in itself.
As a photographer, I’m always drawn to those subtle details: focused expressions, tentative smiles turning into assured ones, and the calm pride that appears once the music finishes. These are the moments that reflect real progress — not just in dance, but in self‑belief.
It was also a pleasure to photograph the senior ballet students performing a section out of their very amazing end of year concert dance routine “Masquerade”, offering a thoughtful contrast and a glimpse into how confidence, technique, and artistry develop over time. We were also treated to an upbeat jazz section from Starlight Express, featuring a selection of the Seniors, 14’s & 12’s age group of students, and then a couple of performances from Junior students, who performed with a quiet maturity and growing assurance.
Being behind the camera for these concerts felt like witnessing a series of personal milestones. Each performance carried its own sense of growth, courage, and pride — making the shows deeply rewarding to photograph.
Concert Photos
Photographs from the Bubbarinas and Ready Set Dance concerts will be available to view soon. The gallery focuses on natural moments and genuine expressions, capturing the feeling of growth and achievement that filled the stage. Viewing details will be shared shortly.
Thank you to the dancers, families, and teachers for allowing me to capture such a thoughtful and special week of performances.