Analysis of an Introspective Dancer, Essay Example

Before the Dance is an oil painting by Andrew Atroshenko.  The painting shows a ballet dancer lacing her slippers in preparation for a performance. The dancer appears to be deep in thought and not concentrating on the task at hand.

Andrew Atroshenko is a Russian artist whose paintings typically portray musicians, artists, and performers either engaged in their passion. Common elements in his paintings involve motion, passion, and deep concentration within the subject of the painting. His backgrounds are often unfocused, guiding the observer’s complete attention to the person being depicted.

The title suggests that the ballet dancer is preparing for a dance recital, and she appears to be involved in deep introspection. There is no way to know her exact emotions; her posture, though controlled and graceful, suggests either fatigue or boredom. Her shoulders are rounded and her head hangs slightly. Upon closer inspection of her face, her eyes appear to be shifted slightly downward.  She may be thinking of something other than the upcoming performance.

The dancer appears to be in a studio, presumably surrounded by mirrors, though she could very well be back stage making final preparations. The background of the painting is blurred and the focus of the painting is clearly on the dancer. This may suggest that everything else in her world is insignificant, as she concentrates on the thoughts in her head.

The message may be promoting personal thoughts and dreams. The dancer appears to be oblivious of her surroundings and the lack of attention to her environment suggests the need to be present with her own thoughts.  Before the Dance may serve as a reminder that while preparing for a big event, it is important to reconnect into one’s own mind for introspection.