Gotta Dance: the Exotic Language of the Body
My ongoing study of bodies in motion began serendipitously more than twenty years ago. It all started during an early photographic workshop in Italy when I first heard the mesmerizing music of Cuba’s legendary Buena Vista Social Club. Their irresistible rhythm and renewed rise to fame captivated and inspired me to travel to Cuba to meet and document them.
Witnessing the wild abandon and spontaneous dancing during their performances and in the streets of Cuba, stirred my passion and I began translating the language of dance through my photography. The connection between body movement and music propelled my work to a long-term study on the universality and unifying phenomena of music and the relationship between sound, motion and emotion. Through these photographs, I want the viewer to be able to hear the music, to better understand other cultures and to sense what I feel.
“Gotta Dance: the Exotic Language of the Body” is an overview, highlighting this evolving project, which has taken me to cabaret performances in Cuba, two stepping in Texas, international and ballroom dance competitions in Montreal and Iceland, Flamenco in Spain, exotic dance in Toronto, burlesque in New York, Carnival and samba in Brazil, classical and contemporary ballet in Los Angeles, New York and Israel, Tango in Argentina, water ballet in Hamilton, and traditional dance in Canada, India, and Japan.
Extending my study beyond performances and rehearsals, I visit intimate and often bustling dressing rooms and backstages, offering a deeper understanding of the milieu of dance and music. While some performers are welcoming, actually entering their world with my camera is not always simple. At times, we don‘t even speak the same language. In these situations, my former professional training as a counsellor assits in building rapport as I strive to convey sensitivity, compassion and at times humour.
Gotta Dance Portfolio includes:
Irresistible Rhythms and Glimpsed Through the Interstices are two portfolios narrating Cuban cabaret life.
Bawdy Language examines the complex milieu of exotic dance in Toronto’s adult entertainment world.
Soul to Sole explores the glamour and timelessness of international competitive ballroom and Latin American dance, officially known as “DanceSport”.
Cowboy Country documents the spirited expression of Texans and their two-stepping.
Axé narrates the passion and force of Brazil’s music and dance at the height of pre Carnival festivities.
Sundance chronicles Canada’s First Nation’s dedication to Pow Wow dance competitions and gatherings.
Flamenco investigates the emotionality of disparate dance movements throughout various regions of Spain.
Water Babes encompasses women’s synchronized water ballet competitions.
In Harmony includes diverse contemporary and classical dance styles in Israel that express both joy and sorrow.
Risqué Business tickles the imagination by exposing the untamed interpretation of Burlesque.
Practice Makes Perfect studies the intimate dialogue and brilliance of Paul Taylor and his dance company.
Dance Theatre of Harlem covers classes and rehearsals of young students and professionals of classical dance.
Tangled up with Tango explores the dynamic connection between partners that is universal to Argentinean tango.
Anticipation presents a view into preparations just prior to performances of the Los Angeles Ballet’s Nutcracker.
India triggers the senses through studies of classical, folk and the fading art and rituals of tribal dance.
Maiko offers a glimpse into the ancient artistry and gestures of the enigmatic Japanese Geisha apprentice.
BEVERLEY ABRAMSON
BIOGRAPHY
GOTTA DANCE: the Exotic Language of the Body
Beverley Abramson is a social documentary photographer known for her dynamic vision. She draws us into rich and intimate dialogues between her subjects and the lens. Her tableaus seek stillness and tranquility, mystery and sensuality, as well as enchantment, emotion, motion and tension.
The interpretation of motion and emotion is a foundation of Abramson’s work whether of dancers, spirited horses, stage life or still life. Gotta Dance: the Exotic Language of the Body, her long-term evolving study for over twenty years, celebrates the powerful universal language of music and the relationship between sound, motion and emotion, through distinct dance forms and cultures. This work, both soulful and playful, expresses the artistry, magnetism and athleticism of dance and movement in such diverse countries as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, India, Italy, Israel, Japan, Spain, Turkey and United States.
A versatile essayist, Abramson’s humanistic stories of life within disparate cultures reflect a discernable style marked by empathy and wit. Her photographic portfolios along with her written work, particularly on the Middle East at the height of the second Intifada, best demonstrate a determination to investigate resilience and compassion within a complex and distressed society.
Award winning books published celebrating motion are: Bawdy Language, a study of Exotic Dance, in limited edition and soft cover; and Off We Go!, books of children at play in hardcover and as a board book. Gotta Dance: The Exotic Language of the Body, is a book in progress.
Abramson’s work has been awarded recognition, published, exhibited and collected internationally in magazines, newspapers, galleries, museums, and private and public corporations. Abramson launched a private photographic practice while studying at Toronto’s Ryerson University, now known as Toronto Metropolitan University, graduating with a BFA in photography after a long-standing profession in educational, career and personal counselling.
2024
Gotta Dance – the Exotic Language of the Body
Shall We Dance, Baycrest, Toronto
2012
Dark Light, The Elaine Fleck Gallery, Toronto
Saluti a Jerusalem, Joseph D. Carriere Art Gallery, Toronto
2010
Stage Stories, LUMAS, Frankfurt
Stage Stories, LUMAS, Paris
Gotta Dance, The Elaine Fleck Gallery, Toronto
2007
Gotta Dance, Mishkenot Sha’ananim, Jerusalem
Gotta Dance, Farmani Gallery, Los Angeles
2006
Gotta Dance, The Blue Dot Gallery, Toronto
2005
Cowboy Country, The Blue Dot Gallery, Toronto
2004
Soul to Sole, The Blue Dot Gallery, Toronto
2003
Bawdy Language, Arta Gallery, Toronto
Bawdy Language, Atlantisia Gallery, Toronto
Israel Now, Beth Tzedec Reuben & Helene Dennis Museum, Toronto
Israel Now, Prince Arthur Fine Arts, Toronto
2002
Glimpsed Through the Interstices, Prince Arthur Fine Arts, Toronto
2001
Irresistible Rhythms, Koyman Galleries, Toronto
2000
Questo Amore, The Robert Mede Gallery, Toronto
Nostalgia, Koffler Centre of the Arts, Toronto
1999
Personal Perceptions, Ryerson University, Toronto
2020
The Collectors Circle, Baycrest, Toronto, Virtual
2018
Red Light, Lonsdale Gallery, Toronto
2015
Fleck Contemporary Fine Art Spring Show, The Elaine Fleck Gallery, Toronto
2014
Fleck Contemporary Fine Art Show, The Elaine Fleck Gallery, Toronto
2013
Gallery Represented Artists Holiday Show, The Elaine Fleck Gallery, Toronto
2012
Gallery “Represented Artists” Catalogue Show, The Elaine Fleck Gallery, Toronto
Jerusalem Speaks to Toronto, PI Fine Arts, Toronto
Fine Art Photographers You Should Know About, The Elaine Fleck Gallery, Toronto
Contemporary Artists You Should Know About, The Elaine Fleck Gallery, Toronto
2011
Under The Jerusalem Sky, Nikola Rukaj Gallery, Toronto
Nuit Blanche The Elaine Fleck Gallery, Toronto
2010
Nuit Blanche Catalogue Exhibition, The Elaine Fleck Gallery, Toronto
Summer Vernissage, LUMAS, Paris
Fine Art Photographers You Should Know About, CONTACT 2010, Toronto
Gotta Dance, The Elaine Fleck Gallery, Toronto
2009
The Best of 2009, The Elaine Fleck Gallery, Toronto
Hang With the Best, Toronto Image Works, Toronto
SNAP ‘09, A Photographic Fundraiser for the Aids Committee of Toronto, Toronto
2008
In Harmony, Jerusalem Defined, System 4 Gallery, Toronto
Xposé, Canadian Association for Photographers, Toronto
2007
Jerusalem Defined,Jerusalem Centre for the Performing Arts, Jerusalem
Indwelling: Living in a Female Body, Juried by Joyce Tenneson, The Cooper Union, New York
Contact Portfolio Review Exhibition, HP Gallery at Waddington’s, Toronto
Holiday Show, Farmani Gallery, Los Angeles
2006
Trees, Farmani Gallery, Los Angeles
In Flight,Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Pearson International Airport, Toronto
This Is Not A Peep Show, Canadian Association for Photographers, Toronto
2005
Soul to Sole, with Morten Nilsson, Griffin Museum of Photography, Winchester/Boston
Gotta Dance, Kick up Your Heels Festival with Che Kothari, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto
Flash Forward, Magenta Juried Exchange, Ryerson/Tisch, Redux Pictures, New York & Toronto
Seattle Erotic Art Festival, 3rd Annual Juried Group Exhibit, Juried by Pet Silva, Seattle
Griffin Museum of Photography Annual Juried Exhibition - Juried by Andy Grundberg, Winchester/Boston
2004
Photopolis Halifax Festival of Photography Group Show, ViewPoint Gallery, Halifax
The Art of Movement, Inspired by Sport, Juried Group Show, Studio Channel Islands, California
2003
Documents and Dreams, Narrative 360 Juried Group Show, B’fly Gallery, Vancouver
Neo Erotic Juried Group Show – Juried by Grady T. Turner, Art @ Large, New York
2002
Canadian Photographers in Cuba, Toronto-Cuba Friendship Celebration, City Hall, Toronto
In Search of the Contemporary Landscape, Prince Arthur Fine Arts, Toronto
A Gift of Friendship, Chinese Cultural Centre, Toronto/Shanghai
1999
Group Salon Showing, Lonsdale Gallery, Toronto
Celebrity Portraits, Gallery One, Toronto
1998
Group Holiday Show, Ryerson Gallery, Toronto
Artfocus Annual Artist’s Group Show - The Galleria/BCE Place, Toronto
Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto
2012
Elaine Fleck’s Catalogue of Contemporary Fine Art, The Elaine Fleck Gallery Fall/Winter
Elaine Fleck’s Catalogue of Contemporary Fine Art, The Elaine Fleck Gallery Spring/Summer
2011
Elaine Fleck’s Catalogue of Contemporary Fine Art, The Elaine Fleck Gallery Fall/Winter
Elaine Fleck’s Catalogue of Contemporary Fine Art, The Elaine Fleck Gallery Spring/Summer
2010
Off We Go!, 2nd edition, Tundra Books / McClelland & Stewart Ltd., Toronto
2009
Elaine Fleck’s Catalogue of Contemporary Fine Art, The Elaine Fleck Gallery
2008
Black & White Photography Magazine, Single Image
PX3.01 Le Prix de la Photographie, Paris Annual
2007
Photographer’s Forum Magazine, Annual Photography
The World’s Greatest Black & White Photography, No. 1, The Spider Awards
In Harmony, The CJ News
2006
Off We Go!Tundra Books / McClelland & Stewart Ltd., Toronto
The powerHouse Portfolio Volume 1, Juried publication for emerging photographers, New York
2005
Kinky Friedman: Ride ‘em Jewish Cowboy, The CJ News
Flash Forward, Magenta Foundation catalogue for inaugural exhibit, Toronto & New York
2004
Cowboy Country: The Only Thing Texas Cowboys Love More Than Their Horses is the Two-Step, National Post
2003
Bawdy Language: Exotic Dance, book published in soft cover and limited edition, Toronto
Documents & Dreams, catalogue for inaugural exhibit, Narrative 360 Documentary Photographers
2002
The New Israel, The Toronto Star World News Section
The New Israel, The CJ News
2001
Those Irresistible Caribbean Rhythms, Tandem
2000
Marie and Severino, The Toronto Star, Body & Soul Section
Griffin Museum of Photography
Jerusalem City Hall
Ryerson University
Shanghai Jewish Refugee Memorial Hall
University of Toronto
Private and Corporate Collection
2011
National Post Newspaper
Elaine Fleck Catalogue of Contemporary Fine Art, Toronto
2010
LUMAS Magazine, May
Elaine Fleck Catalogue of Contemporary Fine Art, Toronto
2009
Toronto Public Library, one of the top (10) Canadian Children’s books for 2009
2008
Black & White Photography Magazine, Single Image
Photographer’s Forum Annual
International Photography Awards
PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris
SNAP, AIDS Committee of Toronto Photographic Fundraiser
2007
Black & White Spider Awards, Portfolio Series
Black & White Photography Magazine, Spotlight Article
International Photography Awards
PX3.01, The Prix de la Photographie, Paris, Volume 1
Photographer’s Forum Magazine, Annual Photography
The World’s Greatest Black & White Photography, No. 1, Black & White Spider Awards
The World’s Greatest Erotic Art of Today Volume 1, Art Undressed
Women in Photography International, Annual Photography
Photo Life, The Art, Culture and Source of Photography, 3rd Prize
2006
Afterimage the Journal of Media Arts and Cultural Criticism, Feature Article
Black & White Photography Magazine, Single Image Contest
The Photo Review, International Photography Competition, Volume 29 Number 1
Shots Magazine, Shots 91
Palm Springs Photo Festival, Juried Slide Show Presentation
International Photography Awards
Women in Photography International, Turning Silver
Photographers Forum, Best of Photography Annual
2005
Black & White Photography Magazine, UK, Reader Gallery
International Photography Awards
Applied Arts Design & Advertising Awards Annual, for Bawdy Language, Limited Edition
Women in Photography International, Beauty
Women in Photography International, Decisive Moments
Applied Arts Photography & Illustration Annual Magazine
2004
Black & White Spider Awards, Winner’s Gallery/Advertising
International Photography Awards
Women in Photography International, Virtual Visual, Best overall
Communication Arts Photography Annual
Applied Arts Photography & Illustration Annual Magazine
Golden Light Award, The Maine Photographic Workshops
Photographers Forum, Best of Photography Annual
Graphis Magazine, Photographer’s Gallery, Inaugural edition
SNAP, AIDS Committee of Toronto Photographic Fundraiser
2003
International Photography Awards
Communication Arts Photography Annual
Applied Arts Photography & Illustration Annual Magazine
Art@Large Neo Erotic Juried Show
Photographers Forum, Best of Photography Annual
Narrative 360 Society For Documentary Arts, Documents and Dreams, Signature Image
Graphis Magazine, inaugural Photographer’s Gallery
Santa Fe Center for Visual Arts, Vision Award
Photo District News, Photography Annual, Photojournalism
SNAP, AIDS Committee of Toronto Photographic Fundraiser, Best overall
2002
Applied Arts Photography & Illustration Annual Magazine
2001
Ryerson University Golden Key National Honour Society Award for academic achievement
2012
CityLife TV
OMNI Italian News TV
2010
96.3 Classical Radio
2007
CHUM Television
2006
CBC Radio, Fresh Air, with Jeff Goodes
CIUT Radio, Evidance, with Ted Fox
2005
CIUT Radio, Evidance, with Ted Fox
2003
City TV
CHUM Television, Sex TV
2002
City TV
CHUM Television, Sex TV
2001
Hamilton Community News, Hamilton
2000
CBC Television, Newsworld, Toronto
2005
Ryerson University Bachelor of Fine Arts, School of Image Arts with Honours, Toronto
1979
University of Toronto, Master of Education, Adult Education & Counseling, Toronto
1997
Ryerson University Certificate in Still Photography Studies, School of Image Arts, Toronto
WORKSHOPS
2013
Photo Xpedition Workshop with Mary Ellen Mark & Einar Falur Ingolfsson, Reykjavik, Iceland
2012
Atacama Workshop with John Paul Caponigro & Seth Resnick, Atacama, Argentina & Chile
2012
Toscana Photographic Workshops with Atonin Kratochvil, Tuscany, Italy
2007
Master Class Workshop with Alex Webb & Rebecca Norris Webb, Toronto
2005
Toscana Photographic Workshops with Arno Minkkinen, Tuscany
Toscana Foto Festival with Alex Webb, Tuscany
Palm Beach Photographic Center with Harvey Stein, Delray Beach, Florida
1999
Toscana Photographic Workshops with Larry Fink, Tuscany
1998
The Maine Photographic Workshops with Graciela Iturbide & Mary Ellen Mark, Oaxaca, Mexico
1997
The Maine Photographic Workshops with Bob Krist and Brent Hamilton, Tuscany
1996
Ryerson University Photography Workshop in France, Still Photography Studies, Toronto