Backstory
I have been lucky enough to shoot twice now with Bermudan born, Arielle lee Ming. Once back in 2022 at a studio in Wimbledon, Sth London. And then again in July 2024 when she contacted me about getting her some London backdrop momento shots. Over this timeline Arielle went from being a young Rambert Dance Student to a bachelors degree certified graduate about to begin her career in an industry that favours the ambitious and the courageous. Arielle should have no trouble securing the job of her dreams as these are both attributes that she possesses in abundance. In this post I want to share images from both sessions as well as a Q&A session with myself and Arielle so that you can all get to know her a little better x
Wimbledon Studios, South London, July 2022
These two images were shot on a Canon 5D Mark iv using a 35mm prime lens, using one upper right side large softbox which created this harsh shadow and giving contrast and sharpness.
Westminster Bridge London, July 2024
I only had the use of natural light on a grey, rain dappled day, my Sony a7 and a 50mm lens. I kept the ISO fixed at 125 and mixed up the shutter speed and aperture depending on whether I wanted to blur or include background. You have to arrive at this location EARLY as by 9am there are SO many tourists and people getting about the city. I stupidly told Arielle to meet me at the wrong bridge so by time she ended up running from one location (in the wind and rain of a typical London summer’s day) our shoot started later than intended. The bridge and riverside were packed and there was a queue of snappers wanting to get their models posing in the same landmark spots I had earmarked. Regardless, we adapted and I am happy with what we got, especially after a little reworking in post production. I‘m typically not the biggest fan of ballet photography on the street, it always feels a bit odd and having an exposed young person in a leotard in front of strangers, most of whom have cameras and want to take pictures too, just feels a bit irresponsible somehow. I focused instead on a more fashion portrait, girl about town energy and style, adding point shoes to retain the ballet element. These are some of my favourite shots.
Get to know Arielle Ming Lee
by Nikki Roberts
Arielle it was so great working with you for a second time while I was back home in London. I think my readers would love to know more about your story. Starting from the very beginning, can you tell us a little more of your background and how you got into dance?
Thank you Nikki, I always love shooting with you whenever we get the chance! I’m from Bermuda a small island in the Atlantic. I left Bermuda when I was 13 to train at a performing arts school in California then moved to England to do my BA in dance at Rambert School. I started dancing when I was 2 years old and it was one of those hobbies I really looked forward to doing. From young I’ve always been very disciplined and enjoyed being able to express myself since I was quiet, while being able to have fun. Dance has been a big part of my family from both side of my grandmas, one was a really well known dance teacher in Bermuda.
Can you take us through your early years of training up to today?
I started in ballet at 2 as most dancers do and throughout the years I trained in tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop, contemporary, flamenco and pointe. I trained at United Dance Productions while I lived in Bermuda and once I moved to America summers I attend many summer intensives such as Alvin Ailey, Alonzo King Lines, Debbie Allen etc.
How was it leaving your home of Bermuda and moving to London? Where there any obstacles to overcome?
Being in boarding school previously the transition wasn’t too hard however when I moved to England it was in the middle of Covid 19. That was the challenging part starting a new life in the middle of a pandemic. I was extremely fortunate with the friends and family I have made in London.
What are you up to currently? And how is a standard day made up for you lately?
Currently, I’m represented by 33 artist management auditioning and freelancing in London. Between dance and modeling I’m working on making London my base. As well as recently completing my Pilates Reformer and Mat training.
A standard day would be going to either take a gym class Pilates/core class at third space or a ballet/contemporary class either danceworks or pineapple. My schedule is quite dynamic at the moment working between teaching on the side, auditioning, building pilates teaching hours, photoshoots/video shoots for my portfolio and practicing for my drivers license test (driving in central is such a skill).
Do you have hobbies/interests outside of dance?
Pilates is definitely a new skill I’ve loved learning about. It’s so beneficial for dancers. I fully recommend any dancer learning more about it. I’ve been traveling a lot recently and just seeing different beautiful cultures.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
This is a hard question, I’ve always been so driven with anything I put my mind too. I definitely want to have danced with a few contemporary companies and some shows on west-end. Modeling for a prestigious agency in London and owning my own Pilates studio. While balancing life and hopefully married. I’m also interested in doing a masters in business to support my Pilates aspirations.
What was your experience of Rambert school like?
Rambert School is definitely one of the best schools you could go to if you interested in contemporary. You are trained daily in ballet and contemporary while having workshops to grow artistic exploration and being more diverse style wise. I’m grateful for my experience and all of the incredible teachers you train from although I did find it challenging not being from London. The school gave me a network of professional dancers who are inspiring and are pushing artistic talent especially in the contemporary dance scene in London.
What advice would you give to anyone about to graduate regarding auditioning?
Be honest with yourself, no one is on the same journey and have standards for yourself. Just remember how talented you are and that you can do your best but also if need be stand up for yourself especially with a dance career. The world is your oyster and anything is possible if you try.
Your dream company?
So many, at the moment Alvin Ailey, Rambert, Ballet Black and Mathew Bourne.
Your favourite colour?
Pink
Your favourite food?
I really love carribean food especially from Jamaica
What are you listening to on repeat right now?
My music taste is so diverse lol I could listen to hip hop to classical music. I’ll say right now anything dancehall just because it’s the end of summer.
You have a lot of experience modelling, have you always felt confident in front of a camera? Are there any tips you can give to dancers who want to give it a go?
I choose photographers based on their quality and professionalism. When you find good photographers the experience is so worth it. Especially if you both love what you’re doing. From young I’ve always enjoyed being infront of the camera and dressing up. I’ve found constantly putting myself out of my comfort zone made my confidence grow especially with modeling. A tip would be to be creative have ideas and get inspo. Look for someone who is inspiring in a photographer.
How did you hear about Nikita Alba/Me?
I heard about Nikita Alba when I was at Rambert. Other Dancer's also started taking portfolio and creative shoots with her so I tried and completely loved it.
Who most inspires you?
I find inspiration from so many places but I’m really inspired by my parents for their wisdom and my partner he is a business owner and a very smart individual. Artistic wise I love Rihanna being able to relate to her being an island girl and how she is so influential in the arts. Michaela Deprince❤️🕊️was one of my favorite ballerinas for her courage and love for dance.
