That's Where I'll Always Love You- Aaron

the first

“You know that place between sleep and awake, that place where you still remember dreaming? That’s where I’ll always love you." -J.M. Barrie

One of my longest, dearest friends, Aaron, recently celebrated his 24th birthday. This may be a little late but once I had the idea it took me a few days to put it together...

Aaron is a brilliant dancer. He oozes with so much talent and natural ability. I remember being very young and we were in a rehearsal when the choreographer asked him to do a jump in a la seconde (second position in ballet terms.) I watched him levitate with grace and ease and it seemed as though he hovered in the air just waiting to be told to come down. As time went on and he grew and matured in his artistry and technique, more power and strength filled his movement, especially the jumps and leaps. Jumps in second became his signature move. The flexibility and height he obtains takes my breath away.

When my passion for photography was unleashed 7 years ago, Aaron was one of the first of my dance friends I photographed and the a la seconde leap has made an appearance at least once in every photoshoot we've done together. Changing up the arm placement is our favorite challenge! So to wish Aaron the HAPPIEST BELATED 24TH BDAY, here are 24 of Aaron's a la seconde portraits from our sessions over the years.

I love you, King. More than I could ever say.