Behind the Curtain: A Glimpse into the Hidden World of La Scala’s Ballet Corps

Photography has long been a powerful medium for capturing the essence of art, and nowhere is this more evident than in the work of French photographer Gérard Uféras. Over the course of six years, Uféras was granted unprecedented access to the backstage world of La Scala’s ballet corps, one of the most prestigious dance companies in the world. This access has culminated in a extraordinary series of photographs that are now the centerpiece of a new exhibition titled "The Hidden Gaze, Dance Behind the Curtain" at La Scala’s museum in Milan. Accompanying the exhibition is a soon-to-be-published book, which promises to bring the magic of these candid, emotional portraits to an even wider audience.

Ballet at La Scala: A Rare but Essential Part of Its Legacy

La Scala, one of the world’s most iconic opera houses, is famously synonymous with opera. However, as highlighted by the exhibition, ballet has been an integral part of the theater’s mission since its very inception. The exhibition’s first room features a timeline that reveals how La Scala’s inaugural performance on August 3, 1778—Antonio Salieri’s L’Europa riconosciuta—was accompanied by not one, but two ballets. This historical connection underscores the importance of dance within the theater’s legacy. Dominique Meyer, La Scala’s general manager, has acknowledged that an exhibition dedicated to ballet at the opera house is rare but necessary, as it shines a light on this often-overlooked yet vital aspect of La Scala’s identity.

Capturing the Essence of Dance: Uféras’ Creative Process

Manuel Legris, the director of La Scala’s ballet corps, played a pivotal role in bringing Uféras’ vision to life. Legris granted the photographer complete freedom to roam the backstage areas and rehearsal halls, allowing Uféras to capture the intimate and often unseen moments that define the lives of dancers. From the exhaustion of a performance to the anticipation of stepping onto the stage, Uféras’ camera has documented it all. These photographs are not just images; they are stories that reveal the passion, dedication, and emotion that fuel the world of ballet.

Moments of Intimacy and Artistry: The Photographs on Display

The exhibition is a visual feast, featuring photographs that range from black and white to color, each capturing a unique moment in the life of a dancer. One particularly striking image shows La Scala’s star principal dancer, Nicoletta Manni, in a backstage embrace with her husband, principal dancer Timofej Andrijashenko. Manni’s face, etched with exhaustion and emotion, tells the story of a performer who has given her all on stage. Another iconic photograph shows a young ballerina peeking out from behind the curtain, her white tutu gleaming under the stage lights. This image evokes the delicate, ethereal quality of the work of French Impressionist Edgar Degas, who famously captured the grace of ballerinas in his paintings.

A Celebration of Ballet’s Past and Present

The exhibition is not just a showcase of Uféras’ photographs; it also includes a unique display of white paper sculptures created by artist Caterina Crepax. These sculptures are inspired by ballet costumes from different eras, ranging from the flowing skirts of the Romantic period to the shorter, more modern designs of contemporary ballet. One particularly poignant piece is a dragonfly-inspired ballet dress dedicated to the late Carla Fracci, a legendary principal dancer who was a star of La Scala for many years. These sculptures add another layer of artistry to the exhibition, blending the elegance of ballet with the simplicity of paper.

A Legacy of Dance and Art: The Exhibition and Beyond

The exhibition at Teatro alla Scala’s museum opened on Wednesday and will run through September 14, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience the beauty and emotion of ballet through Uféras’ lens. For those who cannot attend the exhibition, the accompanying book will be published later this month, ensuring that this incredible body of work reaches a global audience. As Manuel Legris so eloquently stated in a video accompanying the exhibition, Uféras’ photographs "bring our art to life." Through his work, the world is reminded of the magic that happens not just on the stage but in the moments before and after the curtain rises.

This exhibition is more than just a celebration of dance; it is a testament to the enduring power of art to capture the human spirit. For fans of ballet, photography, and La Scala itself, "The Hidden Gaze, Dance Behind the Curtain" is an unmissable event.