As a dance photographer, I always look for unique and inspiring locations. When I stumbled upon the Colinton Tunnel in Edinburgh, I knew I had to capture the magic of a dance shoot in this historical space. The decorated tunnel, once a forgotten passage, offered a captivating backdrop unlike any other.
The tunnel’s transformation is a story in itself. From a dark and disused railway tunnel, it has become a vibrant canvas showcasing Scotland’s largest historical mural. Chris Rutterford’s artistic vision, inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem “From a Railway Carriage,” breathes life into the tunnel walls. The poem’s essence of movement resonated deeply with me, and I knew I could create a dance story that mirrored that sentiment.
Collaborating with dancer Nicole Reid, we embarked on a creative exploration within the tunnel. The interplay of light and shadow on the mural’s surface provided a dynamic stage. We opted for a minimalist lighting setup, using just two small flashes to illuminate Nicole’s movements. This approach allowed me to correctly expose Nicole and underexpose the vibrant murals to saturate their colours, adding a historical and artistic dimension to the dance performance.
Nicole’s graceful movements flowed seamlessly with the visual narrative of the murals. The industrial heritage depicted on the walls became a backdrop for her powerful stances, while the depictions of local flora and fauna echoed the natural world through her flowing gestures.
The Colinton Tunnel Mural project is a powerful reminder that art can exist anywhere, even in unexpected places. It’s a space that inspires not just visual artists, but dancers, photographers, and anyone with a creative spark. My dance shoot in the tunnel is a testament to that. It’s a fusion of movement, history, and artistic vision, all captured within the unique embrace of the Colinton Tunnel.
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