Exclusive Rehearsal Shots—Wendy Whelan and Desmond Richardson

Ballet superstars don’t get much bigger than Wendy Whelan and Desmond Richardson. This winter, the two inimitable dancers teamed up for a one-night-only performance in New Orleans to commemorate Richardson’s last season as a performer with Complexions. If you haven’t seen Jim Lafferty’s gorgeous shots of their rehearsals in our April/May issue, you’re missing out. This is one outtake we didn’t have room for in the magazine, and I had to share it. Whelan is so lifted, has such breath in her arms with Richardson as a strong, grounded counterpoint. I love the stretch that extends through both of their bodies in that moment just before her toe hits the floor. Enjoy!