Last summer, I had the privilege of photographing a powerful intergenerational performance at Leeds Art Gallery: How To Change The World By Doing Nothing, created by Yorkshire Dance’s Company of People in collaboration with Fevered Sleep, led by artistic directors Sam Butler and David Harradine.
This thought-provoking work, part of the Ageless Festival 2024, explored the passing of time across generations and the beauty of simply existing together. From age eight to eighty, the cast represented a rich tapestry of life stage – each participant bringing their own sense of stillness, story, and presence to the performance.
The youngest performer was my own daughter, Ezrae. Dressed in a mustard yellow dress, she moved through the space with quiet confidence and curiosity, sharing the stage with older cast members in a truly moving display of generational connection. As a photographer – and as a parent – it was a joy to witness and to capture.
Photographing Dance and Performance in Leeds
As part of the audience, we wore headphones that played a steady, rhythmic beat created by a digital drummer—a continuous presence throughout the performance. This subtle soundscape added a grounding pulse to the otherwise quiet and reflective atmosphere, gently guiding us through the space and the passing of time.
Photographing dance and performance in such a setting – an art gallery rather than a traditional theatre – requires a responsive, documentary-style approach. The shifting light, movement of the audience, and immersive sound all added to the creative challenge.
Community, Collaboration and Intergenerational Art
It was a pleasure to photograph such a thoughtful, Yorkshire Dance performance—quietly capturing the emotion and connection as it unfolded within the space.
View the Photographs
Below are a few photographs I took from the show
Each image captures a moment in time – stillness, glances, gentle movements – all framed within the stunning surroundings of Leeds Art Gallery. These photos are not just performance documentation; they are a visual record of a community connected by trust, age, and collective presence.
Looking for a Photographer for Dance or Performance?
If you’re planning a performance, arts project or community event in Yorkshire, and need an experienced photographer for work in dance, intergenerational performance, and art-led projects, I’d love to hear from you.
Whether it’s working in gallery spaces, studio settings, or immersive environments, I bring a calm, thoughtful approach that captures both the energy and the atmosphere of your work. Feel free to get in touch I’d love to work with you.
