I have been involved in classical ballet for decades, spending the majority of my life as a dance student, professional performer, and the founder and lead instructor at Align Ballet Method (ballet school for adults). I’ve seen so much dance in my lifetime that it takes an incredibly special experience to be inspired.

Luckily, I recently had such an experience when I was offered access to photograph and film American Ballet Theater principal dancer Christine Shevchenko working with her long time coach Olga Tozyiakova. They have been training together since Ms. Shevchenko’s teens and it is obviously a special relationship. While other dancers go on vacation during company breaks, Christine typically jets to Los Angeles and polishes her work with Olga. This may explain why Ms. Shevchenko is now one of the most respected ballerinas in the world, and it is certainly a testament to her long faith in Olga Tozyiakova.

Despite what you may see in film and television, the ballet rehearsal process is a fairly drama-free experience. In my experience, the higher the level of abilities, the more the process has a serious yet calm approach. This is certainly the case with Olga and Christine.

The day began with Olga coaching a 45-minute ballet barre warm up. Christine stood profile to the mirror and gauged her work subtly from the corner of her eye. During these exercises Olga gave few corrections, as the fifth positions were perfect and the grand battements were to her nose. Christine’s movements were close to perfection. Every line and every tendu was absolute precision.

After barre, the two would begin tackling various solos from the classical repertoire in extreme detail. Every head angle and hand gesture was scrutinized. The work is not rushed; on the contrary, there were often lengthy discussions between the dancing. Sometimes, they would take a break to review multiple versions of the same solo on Youtube.

I sensed these two had long ago passed the teacher/student phase and instead moved toward a respectful meeting of great artistic minds. There was always a gentle give and take followed by physical experimentation to find the correct solutions to technical or stylistic difficulties.

From what I observed, each of these artists has special gifts that compliment their collaboration. Olga is a master of classical style, and Christine is an athletic powerhouse. I have rarely witnessed a ballerina attack space with the athleticism of Christine Shevchenko. She has the unique ability to go from one end of the studio to the other with very few steps. Her cabrioles (large ballet jumps with beating of the legs) were some of the highest and most sustained I’ve witnessed. During the entire process, Olga ensured the movement maintained the effortless quality one expects from a world class ballerina. Olga’s ability to focus Christine’s power into effortless artistic expression appears to be a secret sauce.

In-between the moments of concentration, there is a lightness and joy of two close friends sharing time together. It is obvious this is a tight collaboration that has developed over the lifetime of both artists. They joke and laugh regarding some of the material. Yet what strikes me the most is the absolute dedication to pushing the work to new levels. You can see in Olga’s eyes and in Christine’s body that both of them are completely committed to making the dance the most beautiful it can possibly be.

This is why we love ballet. No matter how far an artist has developed and the accolades they have received, the repertoire always holds new territory to explore. This is why it is an art. The true artist gives themselves completely to the form. I have rarely witnessed such total dedication displayed by Olga and Christine. They have an incredible level of passion and intensity for the work.

It would be easy to assume that the best dancers are born that way, but this is a myth. I’ve witnessed many talented bodies not achieve their potential. Truthfully, the very best dancers have physical capabilities combined with an organic work ethic. This ethic is something that can’t be taught but may be inspired, a relationship I sense between Christine and Olga.

Americans glorify athletes, and we hear stories of hard work in sports all the time. Famous athletes have a work ethic that is well-documented across many sports channels and commercials. Unfortunately, ballerinas typically get much less recognition, but I can tell you that great dancers prepare as diligently as Tom Brady or LeBron James.

After the rehearsal was complete, I thanked Christine and Olga for the opportunity to capture their work. Even after I took the time to pack up and head out, I turned the corner to find Christine on a bench, headphones on and pen in hand, writing down rehearsal notes.

This is the kind of humble dedication that is practiced every day by one of the most noted stars in the ballet world.

The next time your career is not on track or your life is not going as planned, maybe you should ask yourself: have you fully dedicated yourself to your goals? I know that I have been fortunate to witness total commitment -- just from observing Christine and Olga on an average day of private practice -- and it has been fueling my own work ever since.

Art inspires us to be more than we can imagine.

I hope these notes and images have inspired you.

Written and photographed by Align Ballet Method founder Michael Cornell. Michael spent 10 years dancing principle roles with BalletMet where he collaborated with the worlds most recognized contemporary choreographers.

Los Angeles Children Ballet Student Purchase Their First Pointe Shoes

Professional Inspiration With Ballerina Christine Shevchenko and Olga Tozyiakova