Portraits of dancers rendered through reflective storytelling and exquisite photography, illustrating the varieties of individual paths within the world of ballet
 
“What a wonderful look at the process of making art! Readers witness the artistry of Schiavone’s photography through portraits of remarkable dance artists and get to know the dancers themselves through Larsen’s writing. Infinite Steps allows readers to experience one art form within another.”—Kevin McKenzie, former artistic director, American Ballet Theatre  
 
“Engaging and eloquent, former dancer Gavin Larsen provides a fascinating peek into the lives of intriguing artists at various career stages and a unique exploration into what drives dancers’ ambitions, all captured through the expert lens of Gene Schiavone, a cherished photographer for Boston Ballet over many decades.”—Mikko Nissinen, artistic director, Boston Ballet  
 
“Gavin Larsen writes with sensitivity and thoughtfulness that reveal facets of the dance world in glimmering new ways. Combined with Gene Schiavone’s beautiful photographs, these stories will resonate with dancers and even fascinate readers unfamiliar with the dance world.”—Jenifer Ringer, former principal dancer, New York City Ballet  
 
“What pours out of the pages of this book is love: love for dancers, love for ballet, and love for the hard work of art, as well as a keen understanding of the extraordinary moment in which a dancer and photographer meet. Everyone involved in the creation of this book knows just how much effort and devotion goes into a life in ballet, an art that disappears in the moment that it comes into being.”—Marina Harss, author of The Boy from Kyiv: Alexei Ratmansky’s Life in Ballet
 
“The range of dancers profiled in this book provides not only a well-rounded view of the ballet world from aspirants to legends but also a testament to the fascination of dance photographers for the art form. A knowledgeable dancer wrote these profiles, and that shines through constantly. They are sensitive, deeply considered, and illuminating.”—Rachel Howard, dance correspondent, San Francisco Chronicle
 
“Offers a refreshing take on dance photography. We not only see the beauty of the dancers’ movement magnificently represented by Schiavone’s photographs, but we also get to know them through their own words brought to life through Larsen’s resonant writing. This artistic collaboration, with intimate glimpses behind the scenes, makes the dancers’ lives leap off the pages in more ways than one.”—Elysia Dawn, chief executive director, United Arts Collier
 
Infinite Steps invites readers into the deeply personal journeys of thirty-three ballet dancers from around the world, tracing their paths from first pliés to final bows and beyond. Through intimate profiles by writer and dancer Gavin Larsen and stunning photographs by Gene Schiavone, this book reveals the physical demands and quiet triumphs that define a life in ballet. Each chapter offers a glimpse into a dancer’s inner world, illuminating the realities behind the moments portrayed by the images.
 
The dancers featured in this book span generations, career stages, and perspectives. Some, such as Misty Copeland, are internationally celebrated stars, while others are just beginning their journeys, and still others have transitioned into new lives beyond the stage. Alina Cojocaru began dancing in Kyiv at 9 years old before becoming a principal dancer with The Royal Ballet and English National Ballet. Paloma Herrera became one of the youngest principal dancers in the history of American Ballet Theatre, and Marja’ Quaqua received Copeland’s prestigious Ballet in the City Scholarship for emerging Black dancers. Kylie Edwards performed with the City Ballet of San Diego and transitioned to an acting career, while Vjola Hajati found a second home performing cabaret at the Moulin Rouge in Paris.
 
From the discipline of training to the vulnerability of retirement, these stories reflect the full spectrum of what it means to be a dancer, resonating with Schiavone’s images of the artists at work and rest. Infinite Steps is a tribute to the resilience, craft, and humanity of dancers. For lifelong ballet lovers, students dreaming of the stage, or anyone interested in learning about the people behind incredible art, this book offers a rare and heartfelt look at the many ways a life in dance can unfold.  
 
Gavin Larsen was a professional ballet dancer for 18 years before retiring to write and teach about dance. She has written for Dance Magazine, Pointe, Oregon ArtsWatch, and the Threepenny Review, among others, and is the author of Being a Ballerina: The Power and Perfection of a Dancing Life. Gene Schiavone was the staff photographer for American Ballet Theatre from 2000 to 2020. He has also provided photography for Boston Ballet, the Mariinsky Theatre, and the Bolshoi Ballet, as well as studio photography for student and professional dancers.

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