January 19, 2014

After 30 years of filming and photographing the world’s most violent wars and conflicts, award-winning British combat photographer Sebastian Rich turned his lens to something more beautiful and also powerful – the world of dance. The Rudman Institute for Entertainment Industry Studies has put together an exhibit of Rich’s dance photographs, “Bullets to Ballet,” which will be on display at the Lincoln Center Film Festival in New York City before coming to Drexel’s URBN Center in February.

“Bullets to Ballet” will show at the Lincoln Center’s 42nd annual Dance on Camera Film Festival, part of the Lincoln Center Film Festival from Jan. 25 – Feb. 8. Dance on Camera is a co-production of the Dance Films Association and the Film Society of Lincoln Center. Following the Dance on Camera festival, “Bullets to Ballet” will come to Drexel’s URBN Center (3501 Market St.) from Feb. 10 – Feb. 21.

Rich’s photo exhibit will be on display at Peridance Capezio Center (126 East 13th Street, New York), where Rich spent time photographing the Peridance Company last year. On Saturday, Feb. 1, at 5 p.m., Rich will join Dance on Camera co-curator Liz Wolff and Peridance founder and choreographer Igal Perry to discuss his journey from photographing combat to dance. This event will take place at Lincoln Center’s Film Center Amphitheater (144 West 65th St., New York), and is free and open to the public.

Rudman Institute Executive Director Karen Curry said, “Sebastian is known for his ability to show the dignity of people in the most extreme situations and to capture moments of joy amidst the pain. This ability to photograph intensity and all its contradictions is on view in a brilliant new way in this stunning photographic homage to dancers and their art. These are the kinds of thought provoking programs the Rudman Institute believes provide students with a multi-faceted and nuanced view of the world of art and entertainment.”