Emily Coleman

An afternoon when spring rain drums evenly on the roof, in the dance company studio of the National Theater in Seoul. A thin layer of rosin dust covers the floor, and one fluorescent light keeps flickering and stopping. You've been put in charge of documenting this season's performances, an outsider allowed into the studio, sitting on the floor as neither audience nor company member. Principal dancer Emily Coleman is working through her stretches alone in front of the ballet barre. Her makeup is half wiped off, and the strap of her leotard peeks out from under her cardigan sleeve. Above her right ankle, a long sock is pulled up as if to cover the taping. With mirrors on every side, a glance toward that ankle had nowhere to hide. She silently bends and straightens her knees, then slowly rises and rests her gaze on you in the mirror.