New York City is alive with artistic energy this winter, showcasing breathtaking exhibitions and exuberant performances. Elizaveta Porodina, renowned for her innovative fashion photography, is captivating audiences with her latest project featuring ten dancers from the New York City Ballet (NYCB). The two-day photoshoot, choreographed under the guidance of NYCB Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan and Repertory Director Craig Hall, has resulted in dynamic images infused with color and emotion.
Porodina, speaking from her Munich studio, emphasized, “My forte lies in the authentic live reaction.” Her unique skill set has transformed traditional ballet photography, merging it with elements of painting and surrealism. The resulting works are now on exhibit at the David H. Koch Theater, marking the twelfth installment of the NYCB’s Art Series. This exhibition introduces never-before-seen photographs as part of the Company’s 2024-25 season, titled Ballet Unbound, and is already generating excitement among ballet enthusiasts.
Driven by her upbringing immersed in art, this Moscow-born artist initially pursued clinical psychology before discovering photography as her true calling. Despite her lack of formal training, Porodina’s artistic vision flourished, allowing her to express complex emotions through the lens. “From the time I was a young child, art made it possible for me to express my emotions and thoughts more easily than with sentences,” she recalled.
Porodina’s collaboration with costume designer Mati Hays of House of Iconica enhanced the visual storytelling of her work. Makeup artist Susie Sobol and hairstylist Evanie Frausto contributed their talents, playing with shadows to accentuate the dancers’ movements. The lighting design by Josef Beyer created the perfect atmosphere for artistic exploration. Porodina aimed to extract the raw essence of the dance, stating, “I wanted only the dancers, the emotion, and the inner workings of the movement to become visible.”
Meanwhile, excitement is also building for Hugh Jackman’s series of concerts titled “From New York, with Love,” set to debut on January 24, 2025, at Radio City Music Hall. The Tony Award-winning performer shared his enthusiasm on Instagram as he rehearsed with choreographers Ashley Wallen and Mishay Petronelli, saying, “One week ’til opening!” The concert series will feature songs from Jackman’s storied career, including selections from beloved productions like The Boy from Oz and The Greatest Showman.
Fans anticipate the captivating performances set to run throughout 2025, following Jackman’s teasing of live clips and updates on social media leading to the opening. He humorously noted, “This is my time,” when playfully inviting his Deadpool co-star Ryan Reynolds to the event, underscoring the personal significance of these performances for Jackman.
February also brings new life to Broadway with several exciting productions kicking off this month. The Olivier Award-winning musical Operation Mincemeat makes its U.S. debut, joined by new shows such as the revival of Othello featuring famed actors Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, and the vibrant Buena Vista Social Club musical arriving just before its official opening on March 19. All these productions aim to delight and entertain audiences escaping winter’s chill.
For those seeking romance and charm, the upcoming musical Maybe Happy Ending presents a unique twist on the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet. This season is ideal for couples wanting to make lasting memories over captivating performances.
Catch the final performances of beloved shows such as A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical, scheduled to close on February 23. With its heartfelt exploration of jazz history, the loss of this show will be felt by patrons. Meanwhile, other titles like Romeo + Juliet, and Eureka Day wrap up their runs mid-February, creating urgency for theatergoers to catch them before they’re gone.
New York City’s cultural offerings this winter promise to engage and excite audiences across various artistic expressions. From Porodina’s boundary-pushing photography to Jackman’s electrifying concerts and the influx of new Broadway productions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With such vibrant creativity and talent flourishing, now is the perfect time to immerse oneself in the arts.