For over 5 years we have had the pleasure of filming ballets put on by the En Pointe School of Ballet. Live event filming is not one of our core services, but it’s something we do enjoy on occasion. En Pointe is an incredible ballet school with a well established program. Each year they put on two ballets, a summer ballet and a Christmas ballet – typically “The Nutcracker”. These are not small productions either. Each cast typically has 100 or more dancers, multiple impressive sets and beautiful costumes. Here is a look at the summer ballet for 2026 – Alice in Wonderland.
What it takes to film a live event
Our goal when we do live event filming is to make sure that we have full coverage from every angle necessary. When we film for these ballet events we always take 3 cameras. This allows us to get group shots for the big numbers, closer shots for smaller groups and very close shots for solos and couples. This also allows us to cut seamlessly between the cameras to provide a dynamic final video that will allow parents to see their kiddos up close in their adorable costumes, and also allows the viewer to see the amazing imagery made by a stage full of dancers.
The difference between live event filming and typical production
These events are challenging in a different way from our other shoots. They require us to adapt quickly and constantly. We have to follow the performers and try to catch everything that is happening. This doesn’t just mean the planned program, but also tiny adorable moments that happen with the children or when the dancers do something unexpected.
There is no calling cut, there is no taking the shot again. Once the event starts everything has to run smoothly.
My favorite part
One of the most interesting and fun things that has come about from this is that I have come to genuinely enjoy seeing the ballets. For the first couple of shows it was a big learning curve. Ballet is a world all its own and there are interesting nuances that I had never heard anyone talk about. I love watching for the impressive moves that will get applause and I absolutely love the music. I knew that a lot of my favorite classical pieces came from ballets, but it’s really fun to see them in context.
Want to see one of these ballets for yourself? Check out enpointeballet.net to see when and wehre the next ballet is happening!
