A Mother's Dance: Northern Virginia Maternity Photographer
Yauri connected with me in December to discuss having her pregnancy and the birth of her fourth child documented. When I learned that she was a professional dancer and how passionate she is about self-expression through movement, I knew in my heart that dance would be infused into the keepsakes I was to create for her. And so our vision evolved into a casual but meaningful winter session portraying dancing as an artful tribute to motherhood and God's blessing of new life.
I asked Yauri to tell me a bit about the role of dancing in motherhood. Today, I'm honored to share excerpts of her beautiful writing with you, along with some image highlights from her maternity session:
I think of dance as communication. A way of storytelling. And so dancing--performing, taking classes, and teaching classes--means my movement and artistic voice comes from an even deeper place since I have become a mother. I believe it is a result of experiencing vulnerability during labor and giving birth, needing support through the labor process, and coming into my womanhood as I have become a mother. So my movement and dancing tells that story, too.
This is our fourth baby, and with every pregnancy, there is a specific rhythm each of our children has. I can feel it. I can name it. It becomes familiar, even after birth. Dance is certainly a way for me to grow closer to my baby. I have danced professionally throughout my pregnancies. Being able to perform while also growing and carrying a life, I have felt that my babies were dancing with me. I know what my body is capable of as a dancer and therefore I know what my body is capable of as a woman and a human being. I have confidence and I feel empowered throughout the labor process because I allow my body to do what it needs to do.
