Paulio Sóvári is a Romanian born, currently states based photographer, dancer and teacher whose past engagements include graduating from the Juilliard School, dancing with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and photographing and dancing for Staatsballett Berlin and Oper Graz. He currently frames and is developing his photographic archives from his tenure in Europe, whilst guest teaching ballet classes for the Dayton Ballet School, Wright State University, Stivers School for the Arts, and Bella Dance. You can discover his work at PaulioSovari on IG and at his website, www.sovariphotography.com.
My unique perspective on color also enhanced the impact of my photography in Berlin. I believe in the power of emotion over words.
After a successful career, having danced in America and Europe, what prompted your career change?
Paulio Sóvári: When a new artistic director assumed control at Staatsballett Berlin, he made significant changes, which didn't include me in the following season. Although the director departed shortly after his season, it was a period of uncertainty about my position in Berlin. This upheaval was disheartening and unsettling. Although I continued dancing a bit longer in Berlin, my performance was limited to certain dances due to my physical attributes, which was disappointing. This led me to focus even more on photography as it had always allowed me to participate in the moment, to dance alongside my colleagues. With the rhythm of the music and the shutter capturing the beat, I could immerse myself in the dance that I was otherwise denied, especially at the time of transition.
In Berlin, I often encountered frustrating instances where I was treated as if I was incapable or naive. Meanwhile, my inaugural performance took place in an ashram in India, in front of 75,000 spectators. These diverse experiences greatly inform my work and maturity as a dancer and person. For instance, when I was dancing in Graz, Austria, I found myself being a primary creative source. I turned mundane objects into subjects of fascination, as exemplified by photographing an inanimate object 40 unique ways. I was at times a driving creative force within that company, infusing my innovative touch into every aspect.
What I appreciated about Berlin was the inspiration I found in its diverse dance scene, even though I wasn't the greatest dancer in the studio. In Graz, I often saw potential in people that they didn't recognize in themselves. While this sometimes led to disappointment, I found that appealing to their higher self generally motivated them to step up. My photography aims to present people as I see them. They may not realize this perspective until they view themselves through my lens, which often inspires them to extend more grace to themselves.
When the COVID pandemic hit, I was stuck in Graz. The situation led to my disenchantment with dance and made me question why I was isolated in the Austrian mountains. I missed my 14 nieces and nephews' first violin recitals and football tournaments. This experience put many things into perspective for me. If I wasn't doing something meaningful, what was the point? It was safe to be honest with my family about what was happening. It took time to figure this out.
When the directorship in Graz changed, they offered me a contract, but I declined. I could have stayed, but it lacked joy. I preferred to start anew. I had to let go of external markers of success and see the bigger picture. This eased my stress, though it also meant blocking out much of what had happened.
Now, my passion lies in photography, something I've nurtured for almost a decade without realizing it could be successful. I can photograph anything, not just dance. Currently, I'm working at a framing shop, learning the ins and outs of the craft.
Did you utilize any career transition resources, and how did you navigate the process?
Paulio: Yes. It was a challenge as I attempted to network in a different language and culture. The exhaustion of residing in a foreign country for an extended period was also a factor. I was dealing with many unresolved emotions. I sought assistance from psychologists and pursued job opportunities, but I found no lateral career moves within my field of dance. It felt like a dead end.
I returned home in May of the previous year, and as of now in March, I have not completed a full year back. I immersed myself in teaching and other activities. I had the opportunity to enhance my website, acquire a new skill at my framing job, and spend quality time with my family. Additionally, I took up pickleball and found joy in simple activities like dining with my parents.
Transitioning into photography has been rewarding, requiring a level of detail that I find gratifying. I consider myself fortunate to enjoy my work, as not everyone experiences a seamless career shift. It reminds me of overcoming addiction or escaping an abusive situation. I used to be surrounded by colleagues who constantly complained but never made efforts to improve their situations. This culture of constant complaining struck me as odd considering how privileged we were to do what we loved. I believe that if something doesn't make you happy, you should strive to change it or cease complaining about it. I yearned for a fresh start and a new cycle. I believe it's crucial to establish boundaries and advocate for oneself.
I recommend not focusing on life without dance, but instead, think about what dance has prevented you from doing. Approach this transition with joy, wonder, and excitement.
You're involved in various fields: teaching, photography, and working at a framing store. What motivated you to forge your own path and manage multiple interests?
Paulio: Recognizing this has been crucial. We must allow ourselves some leeway during transitions, which we often don't. I've come to understand that most of my stress was self-inflicted, a recurring thought pattern in my mind. It's about shifting that energy and vibration. There are those first few seconds in the morning when your mind is clear. It's a fleeting moment of pure existence, before your daily worries return. I've been striving to prolong that moment of clarity.
What motivated you to start working at a framing shop, and how does it complement your other creative pursuits?
Paulio: While at Staatsballett Berlin, my photos caught the attention of the marketing department. Despite my limited knowledge of photography, I saw room for improvement in their marketing, so I started managing their Instagram, and they eventually contracted me as a dancer and photographer. They provided me with a camera, and I photographed performances and rehearsals. in Graz, this pathway was the same but I entered the company already as a desired photographer, leading me to document performance from Sandman, Cinderella, Red Riding Hood and The Wolf, premieres, all whilst dancing title or lead character roles. I also worked on their website and produced their annual season book. This experience honed my artistic skills.
However, when leaving Berlin initially and then finally Graz, and I lost my creative outlet, my creativity took a destructive turn. It was then that I decided to work at a framing shop upon returning home. The structured environment and the opportunity to learn a new craft allowed me to channel my creative energy in a positive direction. It also helped me balance my time with my parents.
I began to showcase my work in a gallery, which quickly sold out. Encouraged by the gallery owner to print more of my work, I approached a frame shop whose work I admired, inquired if they were hiring, and landed the job.
Now, with my website, I'm exploring ways to merge dance with my prints for monetization, a concept I'm still learning. I divide my time between framing in the mornings, playing pickleball in the afternoon, and working on my website in the evenings. Even though it's overwhelming and intimidating to embark on such a significant project, I'm taking it one step at a time and learning patience. Despite the challenges, I'm genuinely excited about this journey.
You are incredibly talented at photography, despite being color blind. Could you share more about that and what inspired you to get into photography?
Paulio: Yes, I do have a color deficiency, a type of color blindness. It's not the traditional red-green blindness, but more of a shade differentiation issue. For example, I can't distinguish between blue and purple. Similarly, I struggle to differentiate between brown, green, gold, and tan. However, this allows me to perceive color uniquely and appreciate the value of texture.
While I lack an emotional attachment to color, I understand how colors complement each other. This understanding has been beneficial in my work, particularly in the frame shop where I assist customers in selecting mat options. Often, they express surprise at the combinations I propose.
My unique perspective on color also enhanced the impact of my photography in Berlin. I believe in the power of emotion over words. I have observed people prioritizing professional achievement over personal relationships. My straight-forward and honest approach often contrasts with others, a trait I developed early on, particularly from my adoption experience.
What advice would you give to dancers considering a career change or about to embark on this new journey?
Paulio: I recommend not focusing on life without dance, but instead, think about what dance has prevented you from doing. Approach this transition with joy, wonder, and excitement. Understand that we all have multiple passions. Reflect on what you love about dance that can also be found in other professions. Is it interacting with people, being creative, organizing, rehearsing, musicality, or performance? Recognize that you have many skills that will be useful. They may manifest differently, but rest assured, they exist within you. As dancers, we've adapted, we've learned to collaborate, we understand teamwork, direction, leadership, and even specific movements like pull and push.
Remember that you can draw upon this wisdom when faced with new situations. The information may manifest differently, but the essence remains the same. Be gentle with yourself and approach this transition with joy and excitement.
Having a support system is vital. It could mean being kinder to yourself or finding continuity through family, friends, or other means. When someone supports you, it's a great compliment to your spirit. They're not supporting blindly, but acknowledging your potential. In our training, we often hear 'no'. However, remember that feedback need not be emotionally charged. Try to view it from a practical standpoint and apply it to your next endeavor.
My advice is to do your best to put yourself in a position where you can make choices, rather than acting out of fear.
Top image by Kristina Kashtanova
