Walking into Étoile sur Danse, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. By the end of the evening, I found myself smiling behind the camera almost the entire time. What I appreciated most was the incredible variety of dance styles presented throughout the night. The theme, “Voyage autour du monde depuis Paris,” transported the audience across different cultures through movement, music, and costume. From energetic Latin rhythms and expressive contemporary choreography to classical-inspired pieces and lively hip-hop performances, every number offered something different.

One detail I noticed as someone with a dance background was the ballet performances. Although many are not competitive dancers, they performed as well as they could. I would have loved to see dancers on pointe, although classical pointe work is typically introduced in professional ballet academies after years of technical training and careful preparation. It reminded me how every school develops its dancers differently depending on its philosophy and strict trainings.

Another detail I noticed was seeing some of the instructors performing with their students. I have nothing against it. In fact, if an instructor or director is capable of holding her own weight and perform as well as his/her students, I give them more praise. 

At the Honolulu Dance Studio in Oahu, our director Cathy Izumi had an amazing core to dance and do certain gymnastics. I remember her dancing after having also a baby just like Amandine. Her incredible body recovered from pregnancy four times. And as a young high school student, I thought to myself, I want to have the same resilience and perseverance when I become a mom. To this day, I continue to use the same methods Cathy and our ballet instructor Elizabeth taught in their classes. On a weekly basis, I do different exercises to keep the mind and body in shape. 

 Having attended many performances in the United States, I couldn’t help but notice some differences between French and American dance galas. In California and Hawaii, many dance studios organized gala weekends, which lasting two or even three days. Families often attended both afternoon and evening performances, with children and adults performing across multiple shows. Everything usually ran precisely on schedule, as punctuality was often considered part of the professionalism expected from dance companies. This gala was a little different. The performance started about fifteen minutes later than advertised and continued until almost midnight. The afternoon gala was for the younger children, while the evening show was for the adolescents and seniors. It certainly made for a long evening, but once the curtain rose, the energy on stage made the wait worthwhile.

 

Latin Rhthyms 

The audience was treated to several dance styles, each showcasing its own unique character and cultural heritage. From the dramatic elegance of Flamenco, with its expressive arm movements and commanding stage presence, to the vibrant rhythms of Salsa and the smooth, romantic connection of Bachata, every choreography celebrated a different facet of Latin dance. 

One of the most striking performances of the evening captured the fiery spirit of Spain. The dancers, dressed in elegant flowing red dresses, performed with graceful arm movements and expressive posture. Every gesture carried confidence and emotion. It was impossible not to admire the dramatic silhouettes created by the stage lighting.

Tahiti – Island Rhythms and Joy

The atmosphere changed completely as vibrant colours filled the stage.

Floral crowns, tropical costumes, and joyful smiles instantly transported everyone to the islands of Tahiti. The dancers moved with incredible energy while celebrating Polynesian culture through rhythmic choreography and expressive movement.

The costumes alone brought warmth to the theatre, but the dancers’ enthusiasm made the performance unforgettable.

Country Roads and Western Spirit

One of the evening’s surprises came from a lively country-inspired performance.

White hats, sparkling jackets, and synchronized line dancing gave the audience a taste of Western Culture and Rock. It brought an entirely different energy to the gala while proving just how diverse dance can be.

One of the highlights of the evening was watching our friend Arnaud Combier perform. Arnaud is not only one of my clients but also someone I genuinely consider a good friend. Seeing people you know step onto the stage with confidence always adds another layer of enjoyment to an event, and it made photographing the performance even more meaningful. As a photographer, I found myself constantly searching for those fleeting moments that happen between movements—the expressions, the emotion, the connection between dancers, and the split-second timing that disappears almost as quickly as it appears. Those are the moments I love preserving. The gala was also a beautiful reminder of something I sometimes forget.

Dance has shaped my life far more than many people probably realize.

It taught me discipline, creativity, confidence, musicality, and an appreciation for storytelling through movement. Even though photography has become my primary creative outlet, dance has always remained part of who I am.

Standing behind the camera that evening, I wasn’t just documenting a performance. I was reconnecting with a passion that has quietly stayed with me over the years.

Who knows…

Maybe 2027 will be the year I lace up my dance shoes again. 

 

“Dance may leave the stage, but it never truly leaves the heart.”