When I worked at BodyVox, photographers and other artists often called up to see if the dancers would volunteer to pose for their work. As an aspiring company director I once took the opportunity to meet up with one of these photographers to see if I liked his style and could possibly collaborate with them on my future company. That’s where I met Isaac Koval. He wasn’t the photographer. He was asked to model along side me.

I’m not sure what this particular photographer was going for but I’m fairly certain that Isaac and I didn’t deliver it. The photographer had handed Isaac a to-go container of something sooty and black to rub all all over his body and face. I was left to my almost translucent pallor.  I think the idea was somewhere between a grimy Herb Ritts mechanic and a sexually charged Maplethorpe duo. Again, we did not deliver. I will have to admit that while I am in shape, I am not now, nor have I ever been, “ripped.” I love chocolate and can chug milk right out of the container. I somewhat affectionately refer to my arms as “pipecleaners” and my pecs have never fully taken the initiative to distinguish themselves from the rest of my torso. So here we are, Isaac and myself, Grimy and Pasty, Young and Less Young, twisted together and waiting for the photographer to get his lighting correct. Small talk ensues.

“So, what do you do?”

“I’m a film student.”

“Really? I’m a choreographer. Would you be interested in a little project?”

By “little project” I meant two short films that I wanted to bookend the dances in my first show The Beginning is Near. By “would you be interested” I meant “will you hold duct-taped VHS camera?” Isaac came with a professional digital camera, a boom, monitors, a clapboard and a very intelligent, creative and enthusiastic mind. I was stunned when I saw the results. The lighting, angles and editing was so beautiful, I suddenly felt the pressure to make certain that the rest of the show had the same level of beauty as these two films.You have decided to improve

Recently, I asked Isaac to help me out with the Greater Than campaign. This was the result. I explain to Isaac the mood I am trying to achieve. He gets set up and then suddenly, he is the choreographer. He sees the buildings, the streets, the sun and moves around until the moment that is captured is in total harmony with the ideal that I had in mind. I just jump, but he gets the rest of the cast to support what I am doing. I know that Isaac will go far with his art. I hope that our collaborations continue to be a part of that journey. If not, I’m so glad he has been willing to work with me on these projects.

Check out Isaac’s personal work here. Hire him.

Thanks to Tatiana and Mikey who sat patiently pretending to work while I gave my quads and hamstrings a workout.