Behind The Curtain is a unique opportunity to get exclusive insight into the inner workings of Malashock Dance performances, programs, and events through first-person accounts from those that make them happen. From performers and choreographers to directors, producers, and beyond, our varied cast of contributors will provide an entertaining insiders look at what happens "behind the scenes" at Malashock Dance.

SOME LIKE IT HOT PHOTOGRAPHER ALISHA MCGRAW TALKS ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE SHOOTING SUMMER DANCE SAN DIEGO

What a fabulously fun way to be a part of the Malashock Summer Intensive - taking dance photos!!

We spent some time talking with the dancers about what they can expect from us, how to prepare themselves for their photos, future experiences when photographers who don’t always ‘speak’ dance, and how to help them understand the goal of their photos.

The three of us (Holland, Geoff & I) started in the East room setting up our backdrops while the dancers had some time to cool off and style themselves. It was nice to see that many were using suggestions from the lecture about make-up, hair and outfits. They certainly looked great for only having 24 hours notice to gather the things they needed.

Each dancer had a headshot at first (and I won’t lie - there are a few dancers who I’d trade eyes with any day!)

The window light made them all just pop.  I am kind of in love with the studio - its a photographer’s dream lighting situation. And it was during the headshots when the flow of photography really began.

Once they finished their headshot, dancers prepared themselves for what we called "body shots" on our black backdrop. The goal was to show off the muscles and arches we noticed yesterday while looking at the students during the lecture portion.

We also got a sneak peek at some choreography they were learning and knew we had some talented dancers that would be able to show us nice lines and flexibility.

Holland was taking the body shots, Geoff was rocking the lighting, and I helped with tips to improve the poses for lighting and dimension purposes. The dancers really brought some creative ideas, and even utilized some partner and floor work as well. I do hope they all take a nice hot relaxing bath, because after holding those poses for us, at the end of an already extraneous week, my guess is they may wake up a little sore tomorrow.

After working their faces for headshots, and exhausting their muscles doing ‘photography yoga’ holding poses, it was finally time for jumps! Molly gave us a great idea, suggesting we use the arched corridor downstairs. We scouted the area and she was right - it was perfect!!!

First, we did a group shot, and then we started the leaping fun. They dancers looked fabulous, technique classes were really paying off. They had beautiful lines and pointed feet in their jumps, and since their muscles were all warm from the posing, their splits and C pops were at their optimum!

Oh, and did I mention, we went a little over time, but it was worth every minute. We wanted to make sure each dancer felt content before we left.

Thanks again to everyone at Malashock for inviting us to be part of the summer intensive! And thank you to the dancers for being open to our ideas and willing to work so hard even after we were supposed to be done! We can’t wait to show off the photos!

Alisha