Dancers made exceptional physique models because they brought a lot into one body. They had the strength and discipline of athletes, the presence of actors, and a kind of visual instinct that lined up with the photographer’s eye.
1. Ben Vereen by Jack Mitchell
2. Tim Wengerd by Jack Mitchell
You could throw them an abstract idea—“opposites,” “tension,” “reach”—and they’d translate it instantly into something clean and readable. They weren’t just posing, they were interpreting, adjusting, solving the image in real time.
3. Dan Lopez by Jack Mitchell
4. Unknown Model by Kenn Duncan
They also knew their bodies inside and out. Every muscle, every joint could be isolated, emphasized, or softened depending on what the shot needed. And they were workhorses—long hours, physical strain, tough conditions—so a photoshoot was usually the easy part.
5. Barton Mumaw - member of Ted Shawn's Men Dancers (1933-1940)
6. Barton Mumaw by Earl Forbes
Like bodybuilders, there’s also a real sense of pride there. They’ve put in the work, and they know how to show it. That combination—control, endurance, and a little vanity—goes a long way in front of a camera.
7. Werner Kroneman (dirty feet;)
8. Louis Falco by Jack Mitchell (Falco choreographed the hit musical Fame)
And then there’s the cultural piece. Male dancers were already pushing against expectations just by doing what they did. Dance wasn’t exactly seen as masculine, and yet there they were—strong, expressive, fully committed.
9. Rudolph Nureyev by Richard Avedon
10. Mikhail Baryshnikov by Richard Avedon
11. Mikhail Baryshnikov in the ocean
Pair that with the quiet subversion of physique photography, and it makes sense why the two worlds clicked. There’s a shared understanding there. The result isn’t just a good image—it’s something a little sharper, a little more defiant, even when it looks effortless.
12. *Ralph McWilliams (see post April 25-Ralph McWilliams and April 22-Cadmus-Part 2) -
George Platt Lynes
Thoughts?
This set of photos doesn't include any cowboy, sailor, or leather fantasies. Question, are male dancers a gay fantasy in and of themselves?
Excellent set! The sense of movement and geometry in these photos is impressive.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Fun theme;
DeleteI will second VMM, excellent set! Many years ago in NYC I watched photographer Arthur Elgort take photos of a group of dancers for publicity for the show Sophisticated Ladies. I was transfixed seeing the men and women mentally and physically prepare themselves. All working together in unison. Extraordinary!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes, it's amazing how they can sync up their movements even without a beat.
DeleteKenn Duncan is one of my favourite photographers. You may find this interesting on some of the more famous he was renowned for photographing. Such as actor Brad Davis, who is gone but not forgotten. What a delicious man he was!
ReplyDeleteBF's blog is a wonderful source!
https://brianferrarinyc.com/2023/10/01/kenn-duncan-after-dark/
Thanks for the tip. Looking into it now. bns
DeleteIt’s a great blog! Really well done. Thanks again, bns
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