Triggered: Alexey Vasilyev

Young ballerinas in Yakutsk Ballet College at the Opera and Ballet Theater in Yakutsk.

Image and text by: Alexey Vasilyev

This photo was shot in 2018 at the ballet school of the city of Yakutsk. I then worked in the children's newspaper "Youth of the North" and I had to often attend events with the participation of children. It was an ordinary concert of young ballerinas who in the future want to connect their fate with this art form. I always liked to shoot what is happening not on stage, but behind the curtains. How artists prepare, what they do, try to see their excitement through the camera lens before entering the stage. What is happening on the stage will be filmed by other photographers.

Among the many shots that I took that day, I chose this one because it seemed to me the most "snatched from life." As soon as I saw a woman (cleaning lady) with a mop slipping with no less grace than the young ballerinas, I automatically took pictures. I realized that this middle-aged woman is in direct contrast with young girls, full of bright hopes. And the viewer can easily read this trigger.

Check out more of Alexey’s work on his website.