Petra Sittig Photography - Vienna, Austria
Petra Sittig Photography - Photoshoots for Artists and Professionals
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The artist's voice -Podcast

The Artist's voice is a platform for artists to talk about and showcase their form of art. Inviting all artists to express their love for what they do and use this platform to give an insight into their world. All dancers, choreographers, teachers, musicians, singers, composers, creators of art; this is the place to show and tell.

The Artist’s voice

Inspired during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, my project was sparked by witnessing the struggles of my children, ballet dancers at the Vienna State Opera, unable to practice their craft due to isolation. Initially a small photography endeavor, capturing artists at their windows, it swiftly transformed into a symbol of solidarity for the arts community.

The repercussions of this pandemic will echo throughout the artistic and cultural sectors for years to come. Thus, I felt compelled to shed light on the plight of creative individuals and organizations, advocating for their recognition and support. Through this project, I aimed to amplify artists' voices, offering a platform for their stories and perspectives. If they can't grace the stage, they should still be seen and heard.

Vienna, a bastion of culture, served as a fitting backdrop for my efforts, with its rich artistic heritage and diverse community. I've photographed over 500 artists, including musicians, dancers, and opera stars, alongside ambassadors from various nations, all standing in solidarity with Vienna's artistic community.

The arts, often overlooked, are integral to society's fabric, shaping our collective identity and enriching our lives. They transcend language and borders, offering solace and inspiration in times of turmoil. By spotlighting Vienna's cultural legacy, I hope to instill a greater appreciation for the arts worldwide. Moreover, I've witnessed firsthand the resilience of artists in the face of adversity. Despite canceled performances and financial hardships, their unwavering passion for their craft fuels a newfound creativity. Their optimism is palpable, radiating hope through every photograph.

Through this project, I aim to educate future generations on the importance of the arts, advocating for its integration into education systems worldwide. By nurturing creativity and fostering appreciation for the arts, we can build a more empathetic and harmonious society.Ultimately, my goal is to spark dialogue and action, ensuring that the arts and artists are valued and supported in our modern world. Through interviews with artists globally, I seek to understand their experiences and explore solutions for securing the future of the arts.

In essence, this project is a testament to the resilience and vitality of the human spirit, as embodied by artists around the world. Their stories remind us of the transformative power of art and the boundless possibilities it offers for a brighter future."

 

Leaving Ballet to Find Ballet Again – Michael Raynaud’s Unusual Path

In this interview, I speak with Michael Raynaud, ballet teacher for the third-year students at Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham, UK. Originally from France, Michael began ballet at the age of seven and went on to train for six years at the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School. Upon graduating, he joined the English National Ballet, touring the world with Swan Lake before becoming a permanent member of the company.

Michael opens up about his remarkable journey in the world of ballet, sharing both the triumphs and the challenges that shaped him—notably the serious injury he sustained in his final year of training in Paris. This moment of adversity became a turning point, teaching him invaluable lessons about resilience, mental strength, and the deeper aspects of being a dancer. He reflects on how nearly every dancer faces injury at some point and emphasizes that the true measure of an artist is how they respond, adapt, and grow stronger from such experiences.

In our conversation, Michael also delves into his transition from professional dancer to ballet teacher. After retiring from the stage, he chose to step away completely from the ballet world and pursued a course in interior design. This seemingly unexpected detour gave him a renewed perspective on life beyond the studio. He believes that this time away helped him become the passionate, empathetic, and grounded teacher he is today—one who understands the full arc of a dancer's life.

Now at Elmhurst, Michael not only teaches advanced ballet technique but also prepares his students for the often unpredictable path that follows graduation. He encourages them to see beyond auditions and rejections, reminding them that “not getting a role or a place in a company is not the end—just a redirection.” He urges young dancers to stay open to possibilities and keep their passion alive, because the future often brings opportunities in the most unexpected ways.

What shines through in this interview is Michael’s deep dedication to nurturing the next generation of dancers—not only technically, but emotionally and mentally. His holistic approach, shaped by both his career and his time away from ballet, offers invaluable insights into what it means to truly prepare for life as a professional artist.

Join us for this heartfelt and empowering conversation about the beauty of ballet, the reality of setbacks, and the importance of embracing both discipline and possibility on the journey from student to stage—and beyond.

The artist's voicePetra SittigBallet teacher, Michael Renaud, Dancer's life, Elmhurst ballet school