The YXE Dance Release hits the streets

Behind the scenes photos captured by The Well.

Tonya Wanner Photography is a bright, encouraging, joyful photographer in Saskatoon. She is also a Well Studio Photographer with us. She is a part of us and we are a part of her. Together we support her as she rises both in her career and every aspect of her life. We are committed to standing alongside her as she grows.

This June we collaborated with her on an evening (as we do all our studio photographers) to both promote her and have fun! Sometimes it simply comes down to celebrating and having a good time. After our dance evening, I asked Tonya to share her heart and vision. Here are her words.

Tonya:

The YXE Dance Release is way more than just a dance photo shoot.  It has been created solely for dancers to express themselves through their love of dance and to have it all captured in it's rawest, honest form.  I want to give every dancer the gift of seeing themselves in all their beauty while they do what they love to do.  

Anh Pham doing the girls makeup for the shoot

Tonya:

My background, as a dancer for many years and now a mom of three beautiful girls that all love to dance, has really pushed me to move forward with my dream. As I watch these little girls grow up in the dance world, with their own paths and experiences, I know what they are getting into. Dance is a very beautiful art form, a way to express themselves in many ways, and a dedication like no other that teaches you way more than just knowing your body, pushing yourself, and movements.  For some dancers, it can be something they want so badly. No matter how hard they try, they don't ever feel like they are good enough, or have the perfect dance body as other girls may have.  I know that girls are so hard on themselves at such a young age and it saddens me!  They are gorgeous, incredibly talented, simply beautiful girls that love to dance and yet can feel so many of these emotions and struggles along the way.

Tonya's images above. 

Tonya:

Through these dance sessions,  they play their own music that moves them, they forget about being absolutely perfect, and they wear what makes them feel beautiful, they get to simply be themselves. In their own style, choosing a location that brings joy or a quiet studio where they feel alive and comfortable to just be ... I believe that these girls will see the images and experience a joy like no other!  They are not competing, nor being judged on stage, and can dance exactly how they want to!!

Tonya, camera in hand

Tonya:

I figure, if this is something I would love for my own daughters to experience one day, and have these type of images for themselves to look back on, then why wouldn't I want to share that with all dancers out there that would love the same thing?  

Anh Pham pictured

The Well:

Tonya, you are such a blessing to everyone you meet! We think the world of you, and adore watching you step into your calling deeper and deeper. Thank you for sharing your heart and talent with us.