In July, I spent some time working on my personal project “We Move”, a photo series that explores the relationship between dance and mental health. The project is deeply personal to me, and each portrait represents more than just a moment frozen in time — it’s a story, a feeling, an expression of resilience and joy through movement.

For this series, I wanted to capture the diverse ways that dance can be a source of healing, self-expression, and empowerment, especially for those navigating mental health challenges. Dance is a form of release, a therapy, a way to reconnect with our bodies and minds. Through the lens of this project, I aim to bring attention to the role that movement plays in mental well-being.

One of my subjects in this series is Georgia. I met Georgia through a mutual friend, and we instantly clicked over our shared love for dance. Georgia is a burlesque performer, and her connection to dance is not just artistic — it’s cathartic, grounding, and full of energy. For her, burlesque is a way to express herself, confront insecurities, and find strength through vulnerability.

For this shoot, I decided to take Georgia to Ridley Road Market in the heart of Dalston, East London. Ridley Road is a place that’s always buzzing with life — a market where cultures collide, where fruit and flowers mix with vintage clothes, and the streets are lined with the vibrant colours and sounds of people living their everyday lives. There’s something incredibly raw and authentic about it, and I felt it would be the perfect backdrop for Georgia’s story.

I wanted to juxtapose the dynamic, chaotic environment of the market with Georgia’s graceful yet bold burlesque performance. She stood out amidst the colours of the wigs, jewellery, and fresh produce, her costume sparkling in contrast to the everyday hustle of the market. There was a kind of magic in how she moved through it all — a beautiful blend of strength and vulnerability.

Shooting Georgia in this setting was an incredible experience. As I watched her perform, it became clear how much her relationship with dance has shaped her sense of self and well-being. It’s a reminder that mental health isn’t always something that’s visible on the surface — it’s something that’s often worked through in quiet, personal moments of expression, whether through movement, art, or creative outlets.

Each image in ”We Move” tells a unique story, but the underlying theme remains the same: dance is not just about performance, it’s a form of therapy, healing, and empowerment. It’s a way to move through life’s challenges, to express what words cannot, and to find strength in the places where we are most vulnerable.

I’m incredibly grateful to Georgia for sharing her story with me, and I’m excited to continue this journey through We Move, capturing more incredible individuals who are using dance to transform their mental health. 

“Dancing was always for me, an exploration of my body’s movements, a celebration, a practice, a devotion and a release. When I started show-girling my movement became a more public practice which interrogated my relationship with my body. To begin with, it wasn’t always a clear-cut journey. But with time, and a passion for adorning my body with movements which celebrated it, an attitude which rigorously dismissed the mainstream media’s expectations on women’s bodies and crystallised accessories - I have been able to find a truly euphoric space. It’s precious and addictive and essential.” - Georgia, Jul 2024