The Home Forum>Essays:"Point Of View"
from the December 27, 2006 edition

Little ballerinas

| Staff photographer
My favorite assignments involve people doing things. Then I can show up and try to capture what is happening as unobtrusively as possible. I love moving through an event searching for moments or gestures, interactions and activity that will tell the story.

Recently, on a trip to South Africa, I had an assignment to photograph a free ballet academy for poor children. The class was held in a large community center. High windows cast unpleasant hot spots (too much light) across the floor - but soon the little ones appeared in their pink leotards and ballet shoes, and I knew I was in for a treat. They started stretching as class began, and wonderful moments happened all around me. Suddenly, as I turned to my left, the two little girls pictured above, stretching in this unusual and adorable way, filled my viewfinder. I clicked and caught them forever.

This is one of my favorite photos from a visually rich journey through Africa.

(Photograph)
MELANIE STETSON FREEMAN - STAFF
Get Monitor stories by e-mail:
(Your e-mail address will be protected by csmonitor.com's tough privacy policy.)
ELECTION '08 Patchwork Nation
The American voter beyond red and blue

FISHERIES Empty Oceans Series
The sea is no longer so vast.


Daily podcast

Monitor Reports

Discussions with Monitor reporters from around the world


Today

Peter Grier

On the Afghan presidential campaign trail.




Making a difference
Making a Difference

What happens when ordinary people decide to pay it forward? Extraordinary change. See how individuals are making a difference, finding solutions, overcoming adversity, and giving back globally.

Garry Delice (standing) searches out promising students in Haiti's high schools as part of a program that provides tuition, housing, and expenses for exceptional pupils.

Amy Bracken

People making a difference: Garry Delice

He rose up from poverty to earn a college degree. Now this educator roams Haiti's back roads, urging students to live their own dreams.