Dance School, New York 1977

This is 'Dance School, New York', photographed by Elliott Erwitt. The composition, stark monochrome, and the softness of the image give it a documentary feel, but with a touch of theatrical drama. I love the way Erwitt seems to have captured the very essence of awkwardness. The little girl, closest to the center of the image, with her eyes closed and face pressed against her partner, is particularly compelling. The tonal range here is beautiful, from the pristine white of her dress to the dense black of her partner's blazer. It’s this area of high contrast that gives the picture its focal point. The photograph brings to mind Diane Arbus, another photographer who captured those fleeting moments of humanity, with compassion and a touch of humour. It reminds us that art is an ongoing conversation, where artists build upon each other’s ideas. It’s about how we see, how we feel, and how we relate to the world around us.