© Carole Edrich Fire and Ice By Carole Edrich and Jeremy Hoare Zero Sette Restaurant until February 1st, 2009 Nearest public transport DLR Custom House for ExCeL. Carole Edrich dance reviews

Should it reflect the sensuality of two bodies moving as one, the intimacy of the close embrace or the panoply of emotions shown by facial expressions and body language? Should it chart intellectual or unconscious values or rely on the interpretation of others? Will others see what I do, in an image of one lady's hand resting on the back of her Lead? Will they feel what I do about the interplay of light and shadow made by superbly symmetrical steps? Should I merely follow standard preconceptions that that tango is passion or try to convey a dancers' desire for intimacy or the unreadable emotions of a solitary watcher, alone in the dark. How best to find images that avoid the clichés while appealing equally to professional tangueros, regular dancers and passers-by alike?

Close-ups of two people dancing together show the intimacy of the dance and often reveal what they’re thinking or feeling but while human faces are endlessly fascinating and as diverse as one could possibly imagine, it’s easy for a casual observer to think they’re simply hugging. Shots of entwined legs well represent all that is passion for the uninitiated, but are classic clichés for those in the know. Looking deeper, those who have danced in the traditional salons of Buenos Aires know that little can beat the sensual subtlety of a well-led walk. Finding images that reflect the heady sensuality of such tiny, delicate movements is as challenging as representing the difference between the anticipation of those who have just arrived and the watchful waiting of those already seeking the partner with whom they can meld and find that elusive sensation when the walls spin and the world fades away.

© Carole Edrich

So although there is undoubtedly a place for straight tango portraits the challenge, surely is to make an image convey more. As my appreciation of the subtle complexities of tango has grown, so has my frustration. There are of course shining exceptions, but in general editors plump for overused over-the-top images, otherwise gifted photographers produce safe but sterile clichéd perspectives, and my own search for the ultimate tango image parallels the dancers’ pursuit of the sensation of euphoric closeness that a good dance can bring.

© Carole Edrich

This exhibition (Fire and Ice) charts my attempts to capture with clarity that challenging image; an incontrovertible synthesis of the essence of tango that speaks clearly to expert, enthusiast and casual passer-by. It’s contrasted by Jeremy Hoare’s images of the agelessly graceful Argentine glaciers and is the first stage in a creative voyage that I hope will continue for years.

© Carole Edrich

Fire and Ice is at Zero Sette Restaurant until February 1st (just extended from January 14th). Nearest public transport DLR Custom House for ExCeL.