BE passionate joyful euphoric intense angry present ALIVE

The inspiration for this book came to me one afternoon as I watched my daughter Salish shovel snow. I grabbed my camera because she just looked so cute, and she looked right at me and hit an arabesque. "Tiny Dancers Among Us" immediately popped into my head, and my next book was born. I have spent the past two years photographing kids around the USA for this book, and I am struck by their talent, dedication, passion, tenacity and, most importantly, IMAGINATION!

As we become adults, what happens to this enthusiasm, this ability to be wholly present in the moment? Why are moments of imagination and passion so often replaced with cynicism and indifference? As I've photographed these children, I've tried to celebrate the everyday moments of childhood. The dancing kids resonate with everyone, not just dancers, and they bring to life our shard memories of childhood- joy, wonder, excitement, fear, heartbreak and even boredom. 

I've created these images for Salish and her brother, Hudson. My children are everything to me; my dreams for them are enormous. I hope they have long and healthy lives, find loving partners and fulfilling careers, and, if it suits them, experience the joys of parenthood. Most important, I want them to be free from self-consciousness, to discover the deep happiness that comes from a life filled with passion, and to find the serenity necessary to be truly present. These photographs communicate my dreams for them more powerfully than words: Relish moments large and small, recognize the beauty around you, and be alive!